Old Testament
Isaiah 27:12
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
On that day, the LORD will beat off from the river channel to the stream of Egypt, and you, children of Israel, will be gathered one by one.
Compare translations
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.
What Isaiah 27:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 27:12, the imagery of gathering the children of Israel from the river channel to the stream of Egypt signifies God's promise of restoration and unity for His people. The phrase 'beat off' suggests a process of separating or gathering, indicating that God will actively bring His people back together, one by one. This reflects His care and attention to each individual, emphasizing that no one will be overlooked. The context of this verse points to a future time when God will restore Israel after a period of exile or hardship. The mention of the river and the stream of Egypt symbolizes the geographical boundaries of Israel, highlighting that God's reach extends even to the farthest places where His people may have been scattered. This verse reassures the Israelites of God's faithfulness and His commitment to their future, reminding them that they are not forgotten, but rather, they are precious to Him.
How to apply Isaiah 27:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to gather and restore us, even when we feel lost or scattered. It reminds us that God sees each of us individually and cares for our unique situations. We can find comfort in knowing that we are not forgotten.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 27:12
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 27:12
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 27:12 mean?
Isaiah 27:12 speaks of God's promise to gather the children of Israel from their scattered places, symbolized by the river channel to the stream of Egypt. It emphasizes God's active role in restoring His people and highlights His care for each individual.
What is the meaning of 'beat off' in Isaiah 27:12?
In Isaiah 27:12, 'beat off' refers to the process of separating or gathering the children of Israel. It indicates that God will actively bring His people back together, showing His attention to each person.
How does Isaiah 27:12 relate to God's faithfulness?
Isaiah 27:12 illustrates God's faithfulness by promising to gather His people, showing that He does not forget them even when they are scattered. It reassures the Israelites of His commitment to their future.
What themes are present in Isaiah 27:12?
The themes in Isaiah 27:12 include restoration, gathering, divine care, unity, promise, and faithfulness. These themes highlight God's active role in the lives of His people and His commitment to their well-being.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.