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:

ISAIAH 40:4KJV
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Isaiah 40:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:4 mean?

Isaiah 40:4 describes a dramatic leveling of the landscape: valleys will be raised up, mountains and hills brought low, crooked paths straightened, and rough places smoothed out. This verse uses vivid imagery to show that obstacles and difficulties will be removed, making a clear and direct way.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are facing hardship and exile. In this context, Isaiah 40:4 promises that God will prepare the way for His people’s return, removing barriers and making their journey possible. The language paints a picture of complete transformation, emphasizing hope and restoration.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:4

  • "Valley" (גֵּיא, gei, H1516) refers to a low place in the land, often seen as a place of difficulty or humility. The promise that every valley will be "exalted" (נָשָׂא, nasa, H5375) means those in low or humble situations will be lifted up.
  • "Mountain" (הַר, har, H2022) and "hill" (גִּבְעָה, giv'ah, H1389) both represent high, difficult places. To be "made low" (שָׁפֵל, shaphel, H8213) means that what seems impossible or overwhelming will be brought down to size.
  • "Crooked" (עָקֹב, aqov, H6121) and "straight" (מִישׁוֹר, mishor, H4334) contrast confusion or difficulty with clarity and directness. The promise is that confusing or twisted paths will become straightforward.
  • "Rough places" (רְכָסִים, rekhasim, H7406) and "plain" (בִּקְעָה, biq'ah, H1237) show that uneven or challenging ground will become smooth and easy to travel.

Why Isaiah 40:4 matters

  • Isaiah 40:4 clears up the idea that God’s help is only spiritual or abstract; the verse uses physical imagery to show real, tangible change for people in trouble.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following message of comfort in Isaiah 40, showing that God is actively preparing a way for His people, not just offering words.
  • The language connects to the wider biblical theme of God making a way where there seems to be none, which is echoed later in the New Testament as a sign of God’s coming salvation.

Where else these words appear

“crooked” Hebrew H6121 · used in 3 verses

  • Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
  • Hosea 6:8 Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood.

“plain” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Joshua 12:7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

“straight” Hebrew H4334 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • 1 Kings 20:23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
  • Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

“low” Hebrew H8213 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
  • Proverbs 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
  • Isaiah 25:11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.