Isaiah 51:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:14 mean?

Isaiah 51:14 describes someone who is exiled and imprisoned, longing to be set free quickly so he will not die in captivity or suffer from lack of food. The verse expresses the urgent hope for release and survival for those who are oppressed.

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, many of whom have experienced exile and hardship. The verse uses the image of a captive who is desperate to escape from a pit—a common symbol for prison or grave—so that he does not die or starve. Isaiah is assuring the people that their suffering will not last forever, and that deliverance is coming.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:14

• The word for "exile" (גּוֹלָה, golah) refers specifically to someone who has been taken away from their homeland, emphasizing the forced and sorrowful nature of their situation.
• "Hasteneth" (מְמַהֵר, memaher) means to hurry or make haste, highlighting the urgency and impatience of the captive for freedom.
• "Pit" (שַּׁחַת, shachat) often means a dungeon, cistern, or grave, so the danger is not just discomfort but the threat of death.
• "Bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) is the basic food needed for life, so the fear is not just imprisonment but also starvation.

Why Isaiah 51:14 matters

• This verse clears up the idea that God is unaware of or indifferent to the suffering of His people; instead, it shows that their longing for freedom is seen and will be answered.
• The verse emphasizes the real, physical dangers faced by exiles—death and hunger—not just spiritual or emotional distress.
• Isaiah 51:14 connects to the wider message of hope and restoration in this section of Isaiah, assuring the people that their captivity is not permanent and that God’s deliverance is near.