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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 26:18 We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/26-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/23_Isa_26_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 26:18 - A Song of Trust in God's Provision" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world." /><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/26-18.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/26-18.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/26.htm">Chapter 26</a> > Verse 18</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="/ad18.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/26-17.htm" title="Isaiah 26:17">◄</a> Isaiah 26:18 <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm" title="Isaiah 26:19">►</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/26.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/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the people of the world have not come to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We, too, writhe in agony, but nothing comes of our suffering. We have not given salvation to the earth, nor brought life into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain; We have, as it were, brought forth wind; We have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth, Nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />We were pregnant, we writhed <i>in labor,</i> We gave birth, as it seems, <i>only</i> to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, Nor were inhabitants of the world born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />We were pregnant, we writhed in labor, We gave birth, as it seems, only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, Nor were inhabitants of the world born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />We were pregnant, we writhed <i>in labor</i>, We gave birth, as it were, <i>only</i> to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth Nor were inhabitants of the world born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />We were with child, we writhed <i>in labor</i>; We gave birth, as it seems, <i>only</i> to wind. We could not accomplish salvation for the earth, And the inhabitants of the world were not born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have twisted <i>and</i> struggled <i>in labor;</i> We gave birth, as it seems, <i>only</i> to wind. We could not accomplish salvation for the earth, Nor were inhabitants of the world born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We became pregnant, we writhed in pain; we gave birth to wind. We have won no victories on earth, and the earth’s inhabitants have not fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We became pregnant, we writhed in pain; we gave birth to wind. We have won no victories on earth, and the earth&#8217s inhabitants have not fallen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But instead of having a child, our terrible pain produced only wind. We have won no victories, and we have no descendants to take over the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We were pregnant; we writhed with labor pains only to give birth to the wind. We weren't able to bring salvation to the land, and no new people were born on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We were in pain and agony, but we gave birth to nothing. We have won no victory for our land; we have accomplished nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We were pregnant, writhing in pain, but we gave birth only to wind. We have not won your victory on earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world been born."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We were pregnant, we strained, we gave birth, as it were, to wind. We cannot produce deliverance on the earth; people to populate the world are not born. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance on the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />We have conceived, we have been pained. We have brought forth, as it were, wind, "" We do not work salvation in the earth, "" Nor do the inhabitants of the world fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> We have conceived, we have been pained. We have brought forth as it were wind, Salvation we do not work in the earth, Nor do the inhabitants of the world fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />We conceived, we were pained, thus we brought forth wind; we shall not make the earth salvation, the inhabitants of the habitable globe shall not fall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />We have conceived, and been as it were in labour, and have brought forth wind: we have not wrought salvation on the earth, therefore the inhabitants of the earth have not fallen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />We have conceived, and it is as if we were in labor, but we have given birth to wind. We have not brought forth salvation on the earth. For this reason, the inhabitants of the earth have not fallen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth only to wind; Salvation we have not achieved for the earth, no inhabitants for the world were born. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />we were with child, we writhed, but we gave birth only to wind. We have won no victories on earth, and no one is born to inhabit the world.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain like those who brought forth wind; save us lest we perish in the earth, lest the inhabitants of the world come to an end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />We were pregnant and we were in labor as those who brought forth wind! Save us so that we will not be destroyed in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world will not fall!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />We have been with child, we have been in pain, We have as it were brought forth wind; We have not wrought any deliverance in the land; Neither are the inhabitants of the world come to life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />We have conceived, O Lord, because of thy fear, and have been in pain, and have brought forth the breath of thy salvation, which we have wrought upon the earth: we shall not fall, but all that dwell upon the land shall fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/26-18.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=5342" 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/26.htm">A Song of Trust in God's Provision</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2029.htm" title="2029: hā·rî·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To conceive, become pregnant. A primitive root; to be pregnant, conceive.">We were with child;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: ḥal·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">we writhed in pain;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3644.htm" title="3644: kə·mōw (Prep) -- Like, as, when. Or kamow; a form of the prefix k-, but used separately; as, thus, so.">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: yā·laḏ·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">we gave birth to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">wind.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">We have given</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3444.htm" title="3444: yə·šū·‘ōṯ (N-fp) -- Salvation. Feminine passive participle of yasha'; something saved, i.e. deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity.">salvation</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: ū·ḇal- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: yip·pə·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">any life</a> <a href="/hebrew/8398.htm" title="8398: ṯê·ḇêl (N-fs) -- From yabal; the earth; by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a partic. Land, as Babylonia, Palestine.">into the world.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead.…<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="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22</a></span><br />We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a></span><br />I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-15.htm">Jeremiah 8:15</a></span><br />We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-19.htm">Jeremiah 14:19</a></span><br />Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/1-9.htm">Micah 1:9</a></span><br />For her wound is incurable; it has reached even Judah; it has approached the gate of my people, as far as Jerusalem itself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-11.htm">Hosea 9:11-12</a></span><br />Ephraim’s glory will fly away like a bird, with no birth, no pregnancy, and no conception. / Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18</a></span><br />I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/15-35.htm">Job 15:35</a></span><br />They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb is pregnant with deceit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Psalm 7:14</a></span><br />Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Matthew 24:8</a></span><br />All these are the beginning of birth pains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-4.htm">2 Corinthians 5:4</a></span><br />For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/4-17.htm">Lamentations 4:17</a></span><br />All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.</p><p class="hdg">we have been in</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-3.htm">Isaiah 37:3</a></b></br> And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day <i>is</i> a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and <i>there is</i> not strength to bring forth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/19-3.htm">2 Kings 19:3</a></b></br> And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day <i>is</i> a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and <i>there is</i> not strength to bring forth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Hosea 13:13</a></b></br> The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he <i>is</i> an unwise son; for he should not stay long in <i>the place of</i> the breaking forth of children.</p><p class="hdg">we have not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Exodus 5:22,23</a></b></br> And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou <i>so</i> evil entreated this people? why <i>is</i> it <i>that</i> thou hast sent me? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Joshua 7:7-9</a></b></br> And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/11-13.htm">1 Samuel 11:13</a></b></br> And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel.</p><p class="hdg">the inhabitants</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Psalm 17:14</a></b></br> From men <i>which are</i> thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, <i>which have</i> their portion in <i>this</i> life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid <i>treasure</i>: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their <i>substance</i> to their babes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-7.htm">John 7:7</a></b></br> The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/5-19.htm">1 John 5:19</a></b></br> <i>And</i> we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/10-23.htm">Accomplish</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Child</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-3.htm">Conceived</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-6.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-15.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-20.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-9.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-9.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-13.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-20.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-25.htm">Work</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-9.htm">World</a> <a href="/psalms/77-16.htm">Writhed</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-12.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/37-32.htm">Accomplish</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">Child</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-11.htm">Conceived</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-12.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-13.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-3.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-21.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-5.htm">Life</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-13.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-17.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-15.htm">Seems</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-8.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-11.htm">Work</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-4.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-6.htm">World</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-10.htm">Writhed</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-4.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/26-1.htm">Trust in God's Provision</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/26.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/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>We were with child;</b><br>This phrase metaphorically describes the anticipation and hope of the people of Israel. In the context of Isaiah, it reflects the expectation of deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises. The imagery of pregnancy is often used in Scripture to symbolize potential and the promise of new beginnings (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, where a virgin will conceive and bear a son). It suggests a period of waiting and preparation, much like the anticipation of the Messiah.<p><b>we writhed in pain;</b><br>The pain described here can be seen as the suffering and struggles of the Israelites during times of oppression and exile. Historically, Israel faced numerous challenges, including invasions and captivity by foreign powers such as Assyria and Babylon. This phrase captures the intense emotional and physical distress experienced by the people as they awaited deliverance. It also echoes the labor pains mentioned in other prophetic texts, symbolizing the birth of something new through suffering (e.g., <a href="/micah/4-9.htm">Micah 4:9-10</a>).<p><b>but we gave birth to wind.</b><br>This expression of futility highlights the disappointment and unfulfilled expectations of the Israelites. Despite their efforts and suffering, they did not achieve the desired outcome. The "wind" signifies emptiness and lack of substance, indicating that their hopes did not materialize into tangible results. This can be connected to the theme of human efforts without divine intervention being ultimately fruitless, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a>, where all is described as "vanity and striving after wind."<p><b>We have given no salvation to the earth,</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the failure of Israel to be the light to the nations as intended. The covenant with Abraham included the promise that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>). However, Israel's inability to fulfill this role is evident here. The lack of salvation points to the need for a savior, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to all the earth (<a href="/john/4-42.htm">John 4:42</a>).<p><b>nor brought any life into the world.</b><br>The absence of life-giving impact underscores the ineffectiveness of Israel's efforts without God's intervention. In a broader theological context, this phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of the new life brought through Christ, who is the "light of the world" (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>) and the one who offers eternal life (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>). The failure to bring life emphasizes humanity's need for divine redemption and the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>The prophet who authored the book, delivering messages from God to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah_and_jerusalem.htm">Judah and Jerusalem</a></b><br>The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, representing the people of God who were often in rebellion against Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nations.htm">The Nations</a></b><br>The broader context includes the nations surrounding Israel, often seen as instruments of God's judgment or as recipients of His eventual salvation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in Isaiah's prophecies, who is sovereign over history and the ultimate source of salvation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_messianic_hope.htm">The Messianic Hope</a></b><br>Implicit in Isaiah's prophecies is the expectation of a future deliverer who will bring true salvation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_effort_without_god.htm">The Futility of Human Effort Without God</a></b><br>Human efforts, no matter how intense, cannot bring about true salvation or spiritual life without God's intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_divine_intervention.htm">The Need for Divine Intervention</a></b><br>Just as labor pains without birth are futile, so are our efforts without the Spirit's work. We must rely on God for true transformation and salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_expectation_of_messianic_fulfillment.htm">The Expectation of Messianic Fulfillment</a></b><br>Isaiah's imagery points to the need for a Savior who can bring true life and salvation, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_and_patience.htm">The Role of Faith and Patience</a></b><br>Believers are called to trust in God's timing and methods, even when immediate results are not visible.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_spiritual_fruitfulness.htm">The Call to Spiritual Fruitfulness</a></b><br>Our lives should reflect the fruit of the Spirit, demonstrating that we are not laboring in vain but are part of God's redemptive work in the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_bible_miracles_are_described.htm">What miracles are described in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_family_conflict.htm">What Old Testament prophecies predict the Messiah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_a_child_called_'mighty_god'_in_isaiah_9_6.htm">Why does Isaiah 9:6 assign divine titles like 'Mighty God' to a child, seeming to conflict with other monotheistic passages in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_10_20-23_fit_with_israel's_doom.htm">Isaiah 10:20-23: How do we reconcile this promise of a remnant's survival with other Old Testament passages predicting total destruction of Israel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">We have as it were brought forth wind.</span>--Left to themselves, the longing expectations of Israel had been frustrated. It was, "as it were" (the words imply the prophet's consciousness of the boldness of the figure), like a false pregnancy, a disease with no birth as its outcome.<p><span class= "bld">Neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Neither were the inhabitants of the world brought to birth, </span>the verb to "fall" being used, as in <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/7-3.htm" title="And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I uttered was crying, as all others do.">Wisdom Of Solomon 7:3</a>; Hom., II., xix. 10, of the delivery of a woman with child. The words continue the picture of the fruitlessness of mere human strivings and expectations. The LXX., "They that are in the tombs shall rise," connects itself with <a href="/context/john/5-28.htm" title="Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,">John 5:28-29</a>. (Comp. the like imagery in <a href="/isaiah/37-3.htm" title="And they said to him, Thus said Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.">Isaiah 37:3</a>.) The "creation" was "subject unto vanity," as in <a href="/context/romans/8-20.htm" title="For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope,">Romans 8:20-22</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">We have as it were brought forth wind</span>. Our pains have been idle, futile - have effected nothing. We have not given deliverance (literally, "salvation") to our land; we have not effected the downfall of our heathen enemies. That downfall was God's work (<a href="/isaiah/24-16.htm">Isaiah 24:16-20</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/26-18.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">We were pregnant,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרִ֣ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2030.htm">Strong's 2030: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pregnant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we writhed in pain,</span><br /><span class="heb">חַ֔לְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥal·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we gave birth to</span><br /><span class="heb">יָלַ֣דְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·laḏ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wind.</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֑וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">We have brought</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֣עֲשֶׂה</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(bal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">salvation</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשׁוּעֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šū·‘ōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3444.htm">Strong's 3444: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the earth,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֔רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nor</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brought</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְּל֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yip·pə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any life</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹשְׁבֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(yō·šə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the world.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵבֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯê·ḇêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8398.htm">Strong's 8398: </a> </span><span class="str2">The earth, the globe, its inhabitants, a particular land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/26-18.htm">Isaiah 26:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/26-18.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 26:18 We have been with child (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 26:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 26:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 26:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 26:19" /></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>