Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

ISAIAH 55:1KJV
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Isaiah 55:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 55:1 mean?

Isaiah 55:1 is an open invitation for anyone who feels a deep need or longing ("thirsts") to come and receive what they need—symbolized by water, wine, and milk—without having to pay for it. The verse emphasizes that these gifts are freely given, even to those who have nothing to offer in return.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, but the language is broad and welcoming to all. The setting is one of spiritual hunger and need, and Isaiah uses the imagery of essential and enjoyable things—water, wine, and milk—to show that what God offers is both necessary and abundant. The call to "come" is repeated, highlighting the urgency and generosity of the invitation.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:1

  • The word "Ho" (הוֹי, hoy) is a call to attention, like saying "Listen up!" or "Hey!" in English. It signals that what follows is important and meant for everyone.
  • "Thirsteth" (צָמֵא, tsame) describes a deep, real need or longing, not just physical thirst but also a spiritual or emotional one. This word helps show that the invitation is for anyone who feels empty or lacking.
  • "Waters" (מַיִם, mayim) is plural, suggesting abundance and plenty, not just a single drink but an overflowing supply.
  • "Buy" (שָׁבַר, shavar) here means to obtain or acquire, but the verse stresses that no money or price (כֶּסֶף, kesef; מְחִיר, mekhir) is needed, highlighting the free nature of what is offered.

Why Isaiah 55:1 matters

  • Isaiah 55:1 clears up the idea that God's gifts are only for those who can earn or pay for them; instead, the verse stresses that anyone, no matter their status or resources, is welcome.
  • The verse sets the tone for the rest of Isaiah 55, which continues to describe God's generosity and the call to seek Him while He is near.
  • By using the imagery of water, wine, and milk, Isaiah 55:1 shows that what God offers is not just the bare minimum for survival but also richness and delight, underscoring the fullness of God's provision.

Where else these words appear

“thirsteth” Hebrew H6771 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
  • Psalms 107:5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
  • Isaiah 29:8 It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

“price” Hebrew H4242 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

“buy” Hebrew H7666 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 41:56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Genesis 44:25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.

“milk” Hebrew H2461 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 11:9 And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
  • Proverbs 27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.