So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

ISAIAH 55:11KJV
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What does Isaiah 55:11 mean?

Isaiah 55:11 describes how God’s word, once spoken, always achieves the purpose God intends and never fails or comes back empty. The verse assures that whatever God declares will succeed and bring about the result He desires.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to reassure the people that His promises and commands are powerful and effective. The context is a message of hope to people who have experienced hardship, emphasizing that God’s intentions will be fulfilled just as surely as rain waters the earth and makes things grow.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 55:11

  • The word for “void” is רֵיקָם (reyqam), which means empty or without effect. This highlights that God’s word is never wasted or powerless.
  • The verb “accomplish” is עָשָׂה (asah), meaning to do, make, or bring about. This emphasizes that God’s word is active and produces real results.
  • The word “prosper” is צָלַח (tsalach), which means to succeed or thrive. This shows that God’s word not only works but flourishes in the task it is sent to do.
  • The verb “sent” is שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning to send out or dispatch. This underlines that God’s word is given a mission or purpose, not spoken at random.

Why Isaiah 55:11 matters

  • Isaiah 55:11 clears up the idea that God’s promises or commands might fail or be ignored; it insists that God’s words always have an effect.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and reliability, especially for people who might doubt whether God’s plans will really come to pass.
  • In the wider context of Isaiah 55, this verse connects to the theme of God inviting people to trust in His generosity and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Where else these words appear

“void” Hebrew H7387 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
  • Job 22:9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

“prosper” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 48:15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

“please” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Ecclesiastes 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.