Isaiah 57:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 57:14 mean?

Isaiah 57:14 calls for obstacles to be removed from the path of God’s people, urging that the way be prepared and any stumbling blocks taken away. The verse uses the language of building up a road, making it clear and accessible for those returning to God.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to people who have been scattered or discouraged, likely after a time of exile or spiritual wandering. The command is to make a clear way for the people’s return, both physically and spiritually, by removing anything that would trip them up or keep them away from God.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 57:14

• The word "up" (עָלָה, alah) appears twice in the phrase "Cast ye up, cast ye up," and is often used for building up or lifting. Here, it gives the sense of constructing or raising a road, not just clearing it.
• "Prepare" (פָּנָה, panah) means to turn or make ready, emphasizing the active work of getting the way ready for others.
• "Stumblingblock" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol) refers to something that causes someone to trip or fall, highlighting the need to remove barriers that would prevent people from returning.

Why Isaiah 57:14 matters

• Isaiah 57:14 shows that God is concerned not just with calling people back, but also with making their return possible by removing real barriers.
• The verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah of restoration and return after exile, using the image of a prepared road as a sign of hope and welcome.
• The repeated command to "cast up" stresses urgency and effort, showing that preparing the way for others is an active and important task.