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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/40-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/23_Isa_40_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 40:4 - Prepare the Way for the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/40-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/40-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm" title="Isaiah 40:3">◄</a> Isaiah 40:4 <a href="/isaiah/40-5.htm" title="Isaiah 40:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the uneven ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Every valley shall be raised, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged places a broad valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth and the rough places, a plain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Fill in the valleys; flatten every hill and mountain. Level the rough and rugged ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Every valley will be raised. Every mountain and hill will be lowered. Steep places will be made level. Rough places will be made smooth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be lowered; the rough ground will become level, and the mountain ridges made a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill leveled. The rough terrain will become a level plain, the rugged landscape a wide valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low, and the uneven will be made level, and the rough places a plain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Every valley is raised up, "" And every mountain and hill become low, "" And the crooked place has become a plain, "" And the entangled places a valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Every valley is raised up, And every mountain and hill become low, And the crooked place hath become a plain, And the entangled places a valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the acclivity was for evenness, and the mountain ranges for a valley:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways plain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Every valley will be exalted, and every mountain and hill will be brought low. And the crooked will be straightened, and the uneven will become level ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low; The rugged land shall be a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Every valley shall be filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the steep place shall be made straight, and the rough places smooth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />All the valleys will be filled and all mountains and high places will be leveled, and the rugged place will be smooth, and the rough place a plain<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Every valley shall be lifted up, And every mountain and hill shall be made low; And the rugged shall be made level, And the rough places a plain;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and all the crooked <i>ways</i> shall become straight, and the rough <i>places</i> plains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/40-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=8472" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Prepare the Way for the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">Every</a> <a href="/hebrew/1516.htm" title="1516: ge (N-csc) -- A valley. Or gay; probably from the same root as gevah; a gorge.">valley</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: yin·nā·śê (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">shall be lifted up,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and every</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har (N-ms) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">mountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/1389.htm" title="1389: wə·ḡiḇ·‘āh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A hill. Feminine from the same as Geba'; a hillock.">and hill</a> <a href="/hebrew/8213.htm" title="8213: yiš·pā·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To be or become low, to be abased. A primitive root; to depress or sink.">made low;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6121.htm" title="6121: he·‘ā·qōḇ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- From aqab; in the original sense, a knoll; in the denominative sense fraudulent or tracked.">the uneven ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will become</a> <a href="/hebrew/4334.htm" title="4334: lə·mî·šō·wr (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A level place, uprightness. ">smooth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7406.htm" title="7406: wə·hā·rə·ḵā·sîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Perhaps roughness. From rakac; a mountain ridge.">and the rugged land</a> <a href="/hebrew/1237.htm" title="1237: lə·ḇiq·‘āh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- A valley, plain. From baqa'; properly, a split, i.e. A wide level valley between mountains.">a plain.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-5.htm">Luke 3:5</a></span><br />Every valley shall be filled in, and every mountain and hill made low. The crooked ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Matthew 3:3</a></span><br />This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-3.htm">Mark 1:3</a></span><br />“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a></span><br />that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Romans 14:11</a></span><br />It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a></span><br />“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">Psalm 68:4</a></span><br />Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the LORD—and rejoice before Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-7.htm">Zechariah 4:7</a></span><br />What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/98-8.htm">Psalm 98:8</a></span><br />Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-5.htm">Psalm 97:5</a></span><br />The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/114-4.htm">Psalm 114:4</a></span><br />the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/114-6.htm">Psalm 114:6</a></span><br />O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-22.htm">Job 12:22</a></span><br />He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-4.htm">Ezekiel 36:4</a></span><br />therefore, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD. This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become a spoil and a mockery to the rest of the nations around you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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:</p><p class="hdg">valley</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-11.htm">Isaiah 42:11,15,16</a></b></br> Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up <i>their voice</i>, the villages <i>that</i> Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a></b></br> He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, <i>and</i> lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set <i>them</i> among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth <i>are</i> the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/113-7.htm">Psalm 113:7,8</a></b></br> He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, <i>and</i> lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; … </p><p class="hdg">every mountain</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/2-12.htm">Isaiah 2:12-15</a></b></br> For the day of the LORD of hosts <i>shall be</i> upon every <i>one that is</i> proud and lofty, and upon every <i>one that is</i> lifted up; and he shall be brought low: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-11.htm">Job 40:11-13</a></b></br> Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one <i>that is</i> proud, and abase him… </p><p class="hdg">and the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a></b></br> And I will bring the blind by a way <i>that</i> they knew not; I will lead them in paths <i>that</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/45-2.htm">Isaiah 45:2</a></b></br> 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:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Proverbs 2:15</a></b></br> Whose ways <i>are</i> crooked, and <i>they</i> froward in their paths:</p><p class="hdg">straight.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-7.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-14.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-4.htm">Hilltops</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-4.htm">Low</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-16.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-25.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-8.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-19.htm">Rugged</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-19.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/nahum/1-10.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-11.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-24.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-7.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-2.htm">Hilltops</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Low</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-9.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-9.htm">Places</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-2.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Rugged</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-6.htm">Valley</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-1.htm">The promulgation of the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">The preaching of John Baptist foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-9.htm">The preaching of the apostles foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">The prophet, by the omnipotence of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">And his incomparableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Comforts the people.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/40.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/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Every valley shall be lifted up</b><br>This phrase signifies a divine leveling, where God will exalt the humble and bring low the proud. In biblical context, valleys often symbolize lowliness or humility. This imagery is consistent with the theme of God's justice and mercy, as seen in Mary's Magnificat (<a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a>) where God exalts the humble. The lifting of valleys can also be seen as a metaphor for the restoration and redemption of God's people, preparing the way for the Lord's coming.<p><b>And every mountain and hill made low</b><br>Mountains and hills often represent obstacles or pride. The lowering of these signifies the removal of barriers to God's work and the humbling of the proud. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where John the Baptist's ministry is described as preparing the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance (<a href="/luke/3-5.htm">Luke 3:5</a>). The leveling of mountains and hills can also be seen as a type of Christ's work in breaking down the barriers between God and humanity.<p><b>The uneven ground will become smooth</b><br>This phrase suggests the removal of difficulties and the creation of a straight path for the Lord. In ancient times, roads were often uneven and difficult to travel, so smoothing them would facilitate the arrival of a king. Spiritually, this can be seen as the preparation of hearts to receive God's message. The concept of making paths straight is also found in <a href="/proverbs/3-6.htm">Proverbs 3:6</a>, emphasizing trust in the Lord to guide one's path.<p><b>And the rugged land a plain</b><br>The transformation of rugged land into a plain symbolizes the establishment of peace and order. In a historical context, plains were often more accessible and fertile, representing prosperity and stability. This transformation can be seen as a prophetic vision of the Messianic age, where Christ brings peace and reconciliation. The imagery of making rough places smooth is also found in <a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a>, highlighting God's guidance and provision for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah primarily directed his prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal spiritual decline.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Isaiah 40</a> is a message of comfort to the Israelites who would later experience exile in Babylon. The promise of return and restoration is a key theme.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/messianic_prophecy.htm">Messianic Prophecy</a></b><br><a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4</a> is often seen as a prophecy pointing to the coming of the Messiah, who would prepare the way for God's ultimate redemption.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>In the New Testament, John the Baptist is seen as the fulfillment of the voice calling in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus, as referenced in the broader context of <a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Isaiah 40</a>.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_transformation.htm">God's Sovereignty in Transformation</a></b><br>God has the power to transform the landscape of our lives, lifting us from low places and humbling the proud. Trust in His ability to change circumstances for His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_the_lord.htm">Preparation for the Lord</a></b><br>Just as valleys are lifted and mountains made low, we are called to prepare our hearts for the Lord's work. This involves repentance and aligning our lives with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>Isaiah's message is one of hope and restoration. In times of difficulty, remember that God promises to make the rough places smooth, offering comfort and renewal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leveling.htm">Spiritual Leveling</a></b><br>The imagery of leveling speaks to the spiritual leveling that occurs in Christ, where social, economic, and personal barriers are broken down, and all are equal before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_participation_in_god's_work.htm">Active Participation in God's Work</a></b><br>We are invited to participate in God's transformative work by being agents of change, helping to "smooth" the paths for others to encounter Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_explain_rebuilding_ezekiel_48.htm">If Ezekiel 48 is meant to be literal, how can the scientific and logistical challenges of reconstructing such a layout be explained?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_prophecy.htm">What is the significance of the Valley of Achor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/mark_11_23-24__literal_faith_moves_mountains.htm">Mark 11:23–24: Is the promise of moving mountains through faith meant literally, and what are the scientific implications if taken at face value? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_history_prove_isaiah_27_6's_fruit_claim.htm">In Isaiah 27:6, the promise of Israel filling the world with fruit seems exaggerated--can historical produce records support such a claim?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Every valley shall be exalted.</span>--The figure is drawn from the titanic engineering operations of the kingly road-makers of the East, but the parable is hardly veiled. The meek exalted, the proud brought low, wrong ways set right, rough natures smoothed: that is the true preparation for the coming of the Lord, and therefore the true work of every follower of the Baptist in preparing the way. (Comp. <a href="/context/matthew/3-5.htm" title="Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,">Matthew 3:5-7</a>; <a href="/context/luke/3-3.htm" title="And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;">Luke 3:3-9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Every valley shall be exalted,</span> etc.; rather, <span class="accented">let every valley be exalted.</span> The prophets are to see that the poor and lowly are raised up; the proud and self-righteous depressed; the crooked and dishonest induced to change their ways for those of simplicity and integrity; the rude, rough, and harsh rendered courteous and mild. "In general, the meaning is that Israel is to [be made] take care that the God who is coming to deliver it shall find it in such an inward and outward state as befits his<span class="cmt_word">... </span> purpose" (Delitzsch, 'Comment. on Isaiah,' vol. 2. p. 142). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/40-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Every</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">valley</span><br /><span class="heb">גֶּיא֙</span> <span class="translit">(ge)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1516.htm">Strong's 1516: </a> </span><span class="str2">A valley</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall be lifted up,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִנָּשֵׂ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(yin·nā·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and every</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mountain</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and hill</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגִבְעָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡiḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1389.htm">Strong's 1389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hillock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made low;</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁפָּ֑לוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·pā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8213.htm">Strong's 8213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become low, to be abased</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the uneven</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶֽעָקֹב֙</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6121.htm">Strong's 6121: </a> </span><span class="str2">Insidious, deceitful, tracked by footprints</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ground will become</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">smooth,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִישׁ֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mî·šō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> </span><span class="str2">A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the rugged land</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָרְכָסִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·rə·ḵā·sîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7406.htm">Strong's 7406: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps roughness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a plain.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִקְעָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇiq·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1237.htm">Strong's 1237: </a> </span><span class="str2">A split, a wide level valley between mountains</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/40-4.htm">Isaiah 40:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/40-4.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted and every (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 40:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/40-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 40:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:5" /></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>