The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

ISAIAH 51:14KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“exile” Hebrew H6808 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
  • Jeremiah 2:20 For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.
  • Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.

“fail” Hebrew H2637 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Deuteronomy 15:8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
  • Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

“pit” Hebrew H7845 · used in 23 verses

  • Job 9:31 Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.
  • Psalms 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
  • Psalms 94:13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

“hasteneth” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.