Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

ISAIAH 54:1KJV
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Isaiah 54:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 54:1 mean?

Isaiah 54:1 calls on a woman who has not had children to rejoice and sing, promising that she will have more children than a married woman who has given birth. The verse uses the image of a once-desolate woman to show that God will bring unexpected joy and growth where there was once emptiness.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, who are compared to a barren woman. The historical setting is after a time of hardship and exile, and the message is one of hope: God is promising restoration and blessing, even for those who feel forgotten or left out. The verse uses poetic language to show a dramatic reversal of fortunes.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 54:1

  • "Barren" (עֲקָרָה, ‘aqarah): This word means a woman unable to have children, often seen as a symbol of loss or hopelessness in ancient times. Here, it highlights the depth of Israel’s past suffering.
  • "Desolate" (שָׁמֵמָה, shamemah): This word means abandoned or left alone, emphasizing the isolation and emptiness experienced. The promise is that even the most forsaken will see abundance.
  • "Children" (בֵּן, ben): Used twice, this word means "sons" or "children" and stresses the reversal—those who had none will now have many.
  • "Sing" (רָנַן, ranan): This word means to shout for joy or rejoice loudly, showing that the response to God’s promise is not quiet hope, but open celebration.

Why Isaiah 54:1 matters

  • Isaiah 54:1 clears up the idea that God’s blessings are only for those who seem successful or fruitful; it shows that God can bring new life and hope to those who feel left out or empty.
  • The verse sets the tone for the whole chapter, which is about restoration and God’s faithfulness after a time of loss.
  • The image of the barren woman connects to earlier stories in the Bible (like Sarah or Hannah), helping readers see a pattern of God working in surprising ways.

Where else these words appear

“forth” Hebrew H6476 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
  • Isaiah 44:23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.
  • Isaiah 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

“aloud” Hebrew H6670 · used in 9 verses

  • Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
  • Isaiah 10:30 Lift up thy voice, O daughter of Gallim: cause it to be heard unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.
  • Jeremiah 5:8 They were as fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

“barren” Hebrew H6135 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
  • Exodus 23:26 There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil.
  • Judges 13:3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

“wife” Hebrew H1166 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. And these are ancient things.
  • Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.