When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain;

ISAIAH 57:13KJV
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Isaiah 57:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:13 mean?

Isaiah 57:13 warns that when people cry out for help, the groups or idols they trust will not be able to save them; instead, these false supports will disappear like the wind. In contrast, those who trust in God will receive lasting blessings, including a place in the land and on God’s holy mountain.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to people who have turned to other sources of security instead of God—whether idols or alliances. Isaiah points out that these "companies" or groups are powerless and fleeting, while genuine trust in God leads to a secure and honored place among His people. The verse draws a sharp line between the emptiness of false hopes and the solid promise given to those who rely on God.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:13

  • "companies" (עֲצָבִים, ʿatsabim): This word can refer to idols or groups people rely on. Here, it highlights the false sense of security people have in things other than God.
  • "wind" (רוּחַ, ruach): Often means wind or spirit. The image is that these false supports are so insubstantial that a mere wind can blow them away, emphasizing their fragility.
  • "vanity" (הֶבֶל, hebel): Means emptiness or futility. This word underlines that trusting in anything besides God is ultimately pointless.
  • "trust" (חָסָה, chasah): Means to seek refuge or put confidence in. The verse contrasts those who seek safety in God with those who turn elsewhere.

Why Isaiah 57:13 matters

  • Isaiah 57:13 clarifies that trusting in anything other than God—whether idols, alliances, or social groups—will ultimately fail, no matter how secure they seem.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of God alone being the true source of salvation and security, especially when people are tempted by easier or more visible alternatives.
  • This verse helps explain the difference between temporary, unreliable sources of help and the lasting inheritance promised to those who genuinely trust in God.

Where else these words appear

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
  • Psalms 71:1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

“possess” Hebrew H5157 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 23:30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
  • Deuteronomy 19:3 Thou shalt prepare thee a way, and divide the coasts of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every slayer may flee thither.
  • Psalms 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

“vanity” Hebrew H1892 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
  • Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

“criest” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 26:17 Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.