Old Testament
Isaiah 26:18
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 26:18, the speaker reflects on the struggles and pains they have endured, likening their efforts to giving birth.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
We have been with child, we have been in pain, but we have given birth to nothing but wind. We have not brought any deliverance to the earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 26:18, the speaker reflects on the struggles and pains they have endured, likening their efforts to giving birth. However, instead of producing something valuable, they feel they have only brought forth 'wind,' symbolizing emptiness or failure. This verse highlights the futility of their efforts to bring about true deliverance or change in the world. Despite their labor and suffering, they have not achieved the desired outcome of salvation or transformation for themselves or the inhabitants of the earth. It serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of human effort without divine intervention, emphasizing the need for God's power to effect real change and deliverance. Explore related strength.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 26:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own efforts and recognize when they may be in vain without God's guidance. It reminds us to seek divine help in our endeavors, understanding that true change and deliverance come from God, not merely from our own strength or plans.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 26:18 mean?
Isaiah 26:18 expresses the speaker's feelings of frustration and disappointment after enduring pain and effort, only to realize that their struggles have not led to any meaningful results or deliverance.
What is the meaning of 'we have given birth to nothing but wind' in Isaiah 26:18?
The phrase 'we have given birth to nothing but wind' symbolizes the emptiness and futility of their efforts, indicating that despite their labor, they have not produced anything of value or significance.
How does Isaiah 26:18 relate to the need for divine intervention?
Isaiah 26:18 highlights the limitations of human effort, suggesting that true deliverance and meaningful change can only come through God's power, rather than solely through human endeavors.
What themes are present in Isaiah 26:18?
Key themes in Isaiah 26:18 include the futility of effort, human struggle, the need for divine intervention, the emptiness of results, and the quest for spiritual deliverance.
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
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