But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.

ISAIAH 51:15KJV
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Isaiah 51:15 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 51:15 mean?

Isaiah 51:15 describes God as the one who has power over the sea, able to divide it and calm its roaring waves, and declares that his name is "the LORD of hosts." This verse emphasizes God's authority and might, reminding the people of Israel of his past acts and his identity as their powerful protector.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, who are facing hardship and uncertainty. Isaiah points them back to God's past deliverance—especially the parting of the sea during the Exodus—to reassure them that the same God who controlled the sea is still with them. The title "the LORD of hosts" highlights God's command over all heavenly and earthly forces.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 51:15

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, often translated as "the LORD" in English Bibles, emphasizing God's unique identity and covenant relationship with Israel.
  • divided (רָגַע, raga‘): This word means to still, calm, or divide, and here it refers to God's act of parting the sea, recalling the Exodus event and God's power to bring order out of chaos.
  • sea (יָם, yam): The sea often represents chaos or danger in Hebrew thought, so God's control over it is a sign of his supreme authority.
  • hosts (צָבָא, tsava’): This term means "armies" or "forces," and when used in the title "the LORD of hosts," it points to God's rule over all spiritual and earthly powers.

Why Isaiah 51:15 matters

  • Isaiah 51:15 clears up any doubt about who is in control by reminding the people that the same God who parted the sea is still present and active.
  • The verse connects Israel’s current struggles to their foundational story of deliverance, encouraging trust in God’s ongoing power.
  • By using the title "the LORD of hosts," Isaiah emphasizes that God’s authority is not limited to one event or place but extends over all creation and every force, seen and unseen.

Where else these words appear

“divided” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
  • Isaiah 34:14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“waves” Hebrew H1530 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
  • Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

“roared” Hebrew H1993 · used in 32 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?
  • Psalms 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
  • Isaiah 59:11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.