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These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/42-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/23_Isa_42_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 42:16 - A New Song of Praise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. 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These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. <a href="/nlt/isaiah/42.htm">New Living Translation</a> I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them. <a href="/esv/isaiah/42.htm">English Standard Version</a> And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. <a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/kjv/isaiah/42.htm">King James Bible</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. <a href="/nkjv/isaiah/42.htm">New King James Version</a> I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them. <a href="/nasb_/isaiah/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “I will lead those who are blind by a way they have not known, In paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them And uneven land into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.” <a href="/nasb/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/isaiah/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.” <a href="/lsb/isaiah/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not forsake them.” <a href="/amp/isaiah/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.” <a href="/csb/isaiah/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them. <a href="/hcsb/isaiah/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/asv/isaiah/42.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/cev/isaiah/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling. This is my solemn promise. <a href="/erv/isaiah/42.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/gwt/isaiah/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them. <a href="/gnt/isaiah/42.htm">Good News Translation</a> "I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail. <a href="/isv/isaiah/42.htm">International Standard Version</a> I'll help the blind walk, even on a road they do not know; I'll guide them in directions they do not know. I'll turn the dark places into light in front of them, and the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I won't abandon them. <a href="/msb/isaiah/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/net/isaiah/42.htm">NET Bible</a> I will lead the blind along an unfamiliar way; I will guide them down paths they have never traveled. I will turn the darkness in front of them into light, and level out the rough ground. This is what I will do for them. I will not abandon them. <a href="/nheb/isaiah/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I will bring the blind by a way that they do not know. I will lead them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them. <a href="/wbt/isaiah/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do for them, and not forsake them. <a href="/web/isaiah/42.htm">World English Bible</a> I will bring the blind by a way that they don’t know. I will lead them in paths that they don’t know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/isaiah/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I have caused the blind to go, "" In a way they have not known, "" I cause them to tread in paths they have not known, "" I make a dark place become light before them, "" And unleveled places become a plain, "" These [are] the things I have done to them, "" And I have not forsaken them. <a href="/ylt/isaiah/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I have caused the blind to go, In a way they have not known, In paths they have not known I cause them to tread, I make a dark place before them become light, And unlevelled places become a plain, These are the things I have done to them, And I have not forsaken them. <a href="/slt/isaiah/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I brought the blind by a way they knew not; and I will cause them to tread in beaten paths they knew not: I will set darkness for light before them, and crooked ways into straightness; these words I did them, and I forsook them not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/isaiah/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I will lead the blind into the way which they know not: and in the paths which they were ignorant of I will make them walk: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight: these things have I done to them, and have not forsaken them. <a href="/cpdv/isaiah/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I will lead the blind along a way which they do not know. And I will cause them to walk along paths with which they were unfamiliar. I will turn darkness into light before them, and crooked into straight. These things I have done for them. For I have not abandoned them. <a href="/nabre/isaiah/42.htm">New American Bible</a> I will lead the blind on a way they do not know; by paths they do not know I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These are my promises: I made them, I will not forsake them. <a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And I will lead the blind by a way that they know not; and in the paths that they have not known I will make them walk; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things have I done to them and have not forsaken them. <a href="/hpbt/isaiah/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I shall lead the blind in the way that they do not know, and I shall make them walk in the paths that they have not known. I shall make darkness light before them and I shall smooth the rugged places. These responses I have made to them and I have not forsaken them<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/isaiah/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, In paths that they knew not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and rugged places plain. These things will I do, And I will not leave them undone. <a href="/sep/isaiah/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, and I will cause them to tread paths which they have not known: I will turn darkness into light for them, and crooked things into straight. These things will I do, and will not forsake them. <a href="/parallel/isaiah/42-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=9254" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/isaiah/42.htm">A New Song of Praise</a> …15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes. 16<a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·hō·w·laḵ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">I will lead</a> <a href="/hebrew/5787.htm" title="5787: ‘iw·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Blind. Intensive from avar; blind.">the blind</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏe·reḵ (Prep-b:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">by a way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏā·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1869.htm" title="1869: ’aḏ·rî·ḵêm (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To tread, march. A primitive root; to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow.">I will guide them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">on unfamiliar</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5410.htm" title="5410: bin·ṯî·ḇō·wṯ (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- Path, pathway. Or nthiybah; or nthibah; from an unused root meaning to tramp; a track.">paths.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: ’ā·śîm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">I will turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/4285.htm" title="4285: maḥ·šāḵ (N-ms) -- Dark place. From chashak; darkness; concretely, a dark place.">darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/216.htm" title="216: lā·’ō·wr (Prep, Art:: N-cs) -- A light. From 'owr; illumination or luminary.">into light</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before them</a> <a href="/hebrew/4625.htm" title="4625: ū·ma·‘ă·qaš·šîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A twisted or crooked place. From aqash; a crook.">and rough places</a> <a href="/hebrew/4334.htm" title="4334: lə·mî·šō·wr (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A level place, uprightness. ">into level ground.</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: ’êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">These</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">things</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śî·ṯim (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I will do for them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ă·zaḇ·tîm (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">forsake them.</a> 17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/john/12-35.htm">John 12:35-36</a> Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. <a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Luke 1:78-79</a> because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” <a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a> The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. <a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">Matthew 4:16</a> the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” <a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a> Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">Revelation 21:23-24</a> And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. / By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.” <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a> Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. <a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Isaiah 49:9-10</a> to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. / They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. <a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19-20</a> No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. <a href="/jeremiah/31-8.htm">Jeremiah 31:8-9</a> Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! / They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do to them, and not forsake them.I will bring<a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Isaiah 29:18,24</a> And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness… <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Isaiah 30:21</a> And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.<a href="/isaiah/32-3.htm">Isaiah 32:3</a> And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.lead<a href="/isaiah/41-3.htm">Isaiah 41:3</a> He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way that he had not gone with his feet.<a href="/joshua/3-4.htm">Joshua 3:4</a> Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.<a href="/hosea/2-6.htm">Hosea 2:6</a> Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.crooked<a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4</a> Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:<a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Isaiah 45:2</a> I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:15</a> That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.straight.<a href="/psalms/94-14.htm">Psalm 94:14</a> For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.<a href="/jeremiah/32-39.htm">Jeremiah 32:39-41</a> And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: … <a href="/ezekiel/14-23.htm">Ezekiel 14:23</a> And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-9.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-29.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-14.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-24.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-4.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Level</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-3.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-10.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Rugged</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-6.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-15.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-1.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-1.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-23.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-3.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Forsake</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-14.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-3.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-8.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Level</a> <a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-5.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Roads</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/luke/3-6.htm">Rugged</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-12.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-22.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-16.htm">Way</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-24.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 42</div>1. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">The office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy.</a> 5. <a href="/isaiah/42-5.htm">God's promise unto him.</a> 10. <a href="/isaiah/42-10.htm">An exhortation to praise God for his Gospel</a> 13. <a href="/isaiah/42-13.htm">God will manifest himself, and check idolatry</a> 18. <a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">He reproves the people of incredulity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/42.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; This phrase highlights God's guidance and provision for those who are spiritually blind or unaware of His ways. In biblical context, blindness often symbolizes a lack of spiritual insight or understanding (<a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a>). The promise of leading the blind suggests God's initiative in revealing Himself and His truth to those who cannot find their way on their own. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who declared Himself the Light of the World (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>) and came to open the eyes of the blind (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18</a>).I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. God's guidance on unfamiliar paths indicates His sovereignty and omniscience. The Israelites often faced unknown territories during their journey to the Promised Land, relying on God's direction (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>). This assurance of guidance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to lead His people through life's uncertainties. It also reflects the Christian journey of faith, where believers trust in God's wisdom rather than their own understanding (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).I will turn darkness into light before them Turning darkness into light signifies transformation and revelation. In the Bible, light is often associated with God's presence and truth (<a href="/psalms/27.htm">Psalm 27:1</a>, <a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a>). This transformation is prophetic of the coming of Christ, who brings light to a dark world (<a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a>, <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>). It also speaks to the personal transformation believers experience when they come to faith, moving from the darkness of sin into the light of salvation (<a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8</a>).and rough places into level ground. This imagery of making rough places smooth reflects God's power to remove obstacles and provide a clear path for His people. It echoes the preparation for the coming of the Lord, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3-4</a>, where the way is made straight for God's arrival. This can also be seen as a metaphor for the sanctification process, where God works in believers' lives to remove hindrances and make their paths straight (<a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a>).These things I will do for them, This phrase emphasizes God's commitment and active involvement in the lives of His people. It reassures believers of God's promises and His willingness to act on their behalf. Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to fulfill His promises (<a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a>, <a href="/2_corinthians/1-20.htm">2 Corinthians 1:20</a>).and I will not forsake them. The assurance of God's presence and faithfulness is a recurring theme in the Bible. This promise not to forsake His people is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel (<a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>, <a href="/joshua/1-5.htm">Joshua 1:5</a>). In the New Testament, this promise is extended to all believers through Christ, who assures His followers of His continual presence (<a href="/matthew/28-20.htm">Matthew 28:20</a>, <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a>). This provides comfort and strength, knowing that God is always with His people, regardless of their circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_blind.htm">The Blind</a> Symbolically represents those who are spiritually blind or lacking understanding. In the context of Isaiah, it often refers to Israel, who is in need of divine guidance. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The speaker in this verse, promising guidance and transformation for His people. Yahweh is the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness and power. 3. <a href="/topical/u/unfamiliar_paths.htm">Unfamiliar Paths</a> Represents the new and unknown ways that God will lead His people, signifying change and divine intervention. 4. <a href="/topical/d/darkness_and_light.htm">Darkness and Light</a> Symbolic of ignorance and understanding, or despair and hope. God's intervention brings enlightenment and hope. 5. <a href="/topical/r/rough_places.htm">Rough Places</a> Metaphor for difficulties and obstacles in life that God promises to smooth out for His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance.htm">Divine Guidance</a> God promises to lead us even when we cannot see the way. Trust in His guidance, especially in times of uncertainty. <a href="/topical/t/transformation.htm">Transformation</a> God has the power to transform our darkest moments into light. Seek His presence in times of despair for hope and clarity. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_of_god.htm">Faithfulness of God</a> God assures us that He will not forsake us. Rely on His steadfast love and faithfulness in all circumstances. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_obstacles.htm">Overcoming Obstacles</a> God can make rough places smooth. Trust Him to help you overcome life's challenges and obstacles. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_enlightenment.htm">Spiritual Enlightenment</a> Seek God's wisdom and understanding to illuminate your path and guide your decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'our_sufficiency_is_of_god'_mean.htm">How can we proclaim liberty to the captives?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_go_to_jerusalem.htm">Was His Life the Light of Men?</a> <a href="/q/is_isaiah_42_6-7_an_ex_eventu_prophecy.htm">Could Isaiah 42:6-7 be an ex eventu prophecy, written after the outcomes it predicts already occurred?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_align_rev_16_with_symbolic_prophecy.htm">How do we reconcile Revelation 16's imagery with the more symbolic or metaphorical interpretations found in other prophetic books?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not. "The blind" here can only be captive Israel, still dim-sighted from the effect of its old sins against light, and therefore greatly needing God's guidance. God promises to "bring them" out of captivity "by a way not hitherto known to them" - the way of voluntary release by the favour of a new king (see the comment on ver. 9). I will make darkness light before them; either, I will illuminate with rays of light and hope the dark and cheerless life that they have been leading (Delitzsch), or, I will throw light upon that dark future which has hitherto stretched before them, and allow them to penetrate its obscurity, and see what is about to happen. Crooked things; rather, rough places; i.e. difficulties of any and every kind. Straight; rather, smooth, level, flat,. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Dr. Kay translates, "These things have I done, and have not forsaken them;" Mr. Cheyne, "These are the things that I will do, and will not let them slip;" Delitzsch, "These are the things that I carry out and do not leave." According to the two latter renderings, the clause is a mere solemn confirmation of the previous promises. <a href="/commentaries/isaiah/42-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I will lead וְהוֹלַכְתִּ֣י (wə·hō·w·laḵ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk the blind עִוְרִ֗ים (‘iw·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5787.htm">Strong's 5787: </a> Blind by a way בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙ (bə·ḏe·reḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action they did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know; יָדָ֔עוּ (yā·ḏā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know I will guide them אַדְרִיכֵ֑ם (’aḏ·rî·ḵêm) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1869.htm">Strong's 1869: </a> To tread, to walk, to string a, bow on unfamiliar לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no paths. בִּנְתִיב֥וֹת (bin·ṯî·ḇō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5410.htm">Strong's 5410: </a> Path, pathway I will turn אָשִׂים֩ (’ā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set darkness מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ (maḥ·šāḵ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4285.htm">Strong's 4285: </a> Darkness, a dark place into light לָא֗וֹר (lā·’ō·wr) Preposition, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_216.htm">Strong's 216: </a> Illumination, luminary before them לִפְנֵיהֶ֜ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face and rough places וּמַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙ (ū·ma·‘ă·qaš·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4625.htm">Strong's 4625: </a> A twisted or crooked place into level ground. לְמִישׁ֔וֹר (lə·mî·šō·wr) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice These אֵ֚לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those things הַדְּבָרִ֔ים (had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause I will do for them, עֲשִׂיתִ֖ם (‘ă·śî·ṯim) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make and I will not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no forsake them. עֲזַבְתִּֽים׃ (‘ă·zaḇ·tîm) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/42-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 42:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/42-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 42:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 42:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>