Isaiah 49:21 - Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has conceived these for me, since I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth? Who has brought these up? Behold, I was left alone. Where were these?’”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Isaiah 49:21" mean?
This verse, Isaiah 49:21, is a powerful expression of astonishment and joy after a period of intense suffering and desolation. To understand it fully, let's break it down:
"Then you will say in your heart..." - This indicates an internal monologue, a private reflection of the speaker.
"...'Who has conceived these for me, since I have been bereaved of my children...'" - This speaks of a profound loss. The speaker (often interpreted as Zion or the nation of Israel) has lost her children (her people) through exile, war, or other calamities. The "bereaved" state highlights the depth of her mourning and perceived infertility.
"...and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth?" - This emphasizes the speaker's isolation, displacement, and instability. She feels alone, uprooted, and without a home. The "wandering back and forth" suggests a sense of aimlessness and confusion.
"Who has brought these up? Behold, I was left alone. Where were these?'" - This is the heart of the verse. After a long period of barrenness, the speaker is suddenly confronted with a multitude of children. She is overwhelmed and questioning how this is possible. She had no expectation of such abundance, having been left utterly alone.
In essence, the verse is about:
Unexpected Restoration: After experiencing immense loss and believing she was utterly alone and infertile, the speaker is astonished to find herself surrounded by children. This represents a miraculous return and flourishing beyond all expectations.
Divine Intervention: The speaker's bewilderment ("Who has conceived these for me?") suggests that she recognizes this restoration as something beyond her own ability or control. It points to divine intervention.
Hope and Redemption: The verse is a powerful message of hope for those who feel abandoned and desolate. It promises that even in the darkest of times, God can bring about unexpected restoration and fruitfulness.
Interpretations and Context:
Zion/Israel: In the broader context of Isaiah 49, the "speaker" is often interpreted as Zion or the nation of Israel. The "children" represent the returning exiles, the future generations who will rebuild the nation after a period of hardship.
Spiritual Application: The verse can also be applied to individual believers. It can represent spiritual barrenness or a sense of being far from God. The "children" can symbolize new life, spiritual growth, or unexpected blessings that come after a period of spiritual struggle.
In summary, Isaiah 49:21 is a poignant expression of wonder and gratitude at a miraculous restoration after a long period of desolation. It points to the power of God to bring hope and new life even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Isaiah 49:21 - Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has conceived these for me, since I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth? Who has brought these up? Behold, I was left alone. Where were these?’”
What does "Isaiah 49:21" mean?
This verse, Isaiah 49:21, is a powerful expression of astonishment and joy after a period of intense suffering and desolation. To understand it fully, let's break it down:
"Then you will say in your heart..." - This indicates an internal monologue, a private reflection of the speaker.
"...'Who has conceived these for me, since I have been bereaved of my children...'" - This speaks of a profound loss. The speaker (often interpreted as Zion or the nation of Israel) has lost her children (her people) through exile, war, or other calamities. The "bereaved" state highlights the depth of her mourning and perceived infertility.
"...and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth?" - This emphasizes the speaker's isolation, displacement, and instability. She feels alone, uprooted, and without a home. The "wandering back and forth" suggests a sense of aimlessness and confusion.
"Who has brought these up? Behold, I was left alone. Where were these?'" - This is the heart of the verse. After a long period of barrenness, the speaker is suddenly confronted with a multitude of children. She is overwhelmed and questioning how this is possible. She had no expectation of such abundance, having been left utterly alone.
In essence, the verse is about:
Unexpected Restoration: After experiencing immense loss and believing she was utterly alone and infertile, the speaker is astonished to find herself surrounded by children. This represents a miraculous return and flourishing beyond all expectations.
Divine Intervention: The speaker's bewilderment ("Who has conceived these for me?") suggests that she recognizes this restoration as something beyond her own ability or control. It points to divine intervention.
Hope and Redemption: The verse is a powerful message of hope for those who feel abandoned and desolate. It promises that even in the darkest of times, God can bring about unexpected restoration and fruitfulness.
Interpretations and Context:
Zion/Israel: In the broader context of Isaiah 49, the "speaker" is often interpreted as Zion or the nation of Israel. The "children" represent the returning exiles, the future generations who will rebuild the nation after a period of hardship.
Spiritual Application: The verse can also be applied to individual believers. It can represent spiritual barrenness or a sense of being far from God. The "children" can symbolize new life, spiritual growth, or unexpected blessings that come after a period of spiritual struggle.
In summary, Isaiah 49:21 is a poignant expression of wonder and gratitude at a miraculous restoration after a long period of desolation. It points to the power of God to bring hope and new life even in the most unlikely of circumstances.