Old Testament
Isaiah 43:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
who brought out the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they lie down together, they do not rise: they are extinguished, quenched like tow.
Compare translations
Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
What Isaiah 43:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 43:17, God is speaking about His power to defeat enemies and deliver His people. The imagery of chariots, horses, and armies represents the might of opposing forces. However, God assures that these forces will ultimately be defeated; they will lie down and not rise again, symbolizing total destruction. The phrase 'quenched like tow' suggests that just as a flame is extinguished, so too will the power of the enemy be completely eliminated. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and ability to protect His people from threats, reinforcing the idea that no matter how powerful the opposition may seem, it is no match for God's authority and intervention. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance that He will fight for His people, leading them to victory over their adversaries.
How to apply Isaiah 43:17 to your life
In our lives, we may face challenges that seem overwhelming, like powerful enemies. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to deliver us from these situations. We can find comfort in knowing that God fights for us and that no obstacle is too great for Him to overcome.
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 43:17
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 43:17
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 43:17 mean about chariots and horses?
Isaiah 43:17 uses the imagery of chariots and horses to symbolize the might and power of enemy forces. God is declaring His authority over these forces, assuring that they will be defeated and will not rise again. This illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to protect His people from any threat.
How does Isaiah 43:17 show God's protection?
In Isaiah 43:17, God reassures His people that He will defeat their enemies, represented by the chariots and armies. The verse emphasizes that these powerful forces will be extinguished, highlighting God's protective nature. It serves as a reminder that no matter how formidable the opposition may appear, God is ultimately in control and will safeguard His people.
What can we learn from Isaiah 43:17 about facing challenges?
Isaiah 43:17 teaches us to trust in God's power when we encounter overwhelming challenges. Just as God promises to defeat the enemies of His people, we can find assurance that He will fight for us in our struggles. This verse encourages us to rely on God's strength and faithfulness, reminding us that He can overcome any obstacle we face.
What does 'quenched like tow' mean in Isaiah 43:17?
The phrase 'quenched like tow' in Isaiah 43:17 refers to the complete extinguishing of a flame, symbolizing the total destruction of enemy forces. Just as tow, a type of fiber, burns quickly and is easily extinguished, God is indicating that the power of the enemies will be utterly eliminated. This reinforces the message of God's sovereignty and the finality of His victory.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.