Old Testament
Isaiah 55:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse uses the imagery of rain and snow to illustrate how God's word works in the world.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Rain and snow fall from the heavens and don't go back up again. Instead, they soak the earth, making it sprout and bloom, providing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse uses the imagery of rain and snow to illustrate how God's word works in the world. Just as rain and snow fall from the sky and nourish the earth, leading to growth and sustenance, God's messages and promises fulfill their purpose. They do not return empty but instead bring about life and provision. The earth, when watered, produces crops that provide food for people, symbolizing how God's word nurtures and sustains spiritual life. This passage emphasizes the reliability and effectiveness of God's word, showing that it will accomplish what it is intended to do, just as nature follows its course. It reassures believers that God's promises will lead to growth and abundance in their lives, much like the natural cycle of rain and harvest.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 55:10 to your life
We can trust that God's promises will come to fruition in our lives. Just as rain nourishes the earth, we should seek to immerse ourselves in God's word, allowing it to guide and sustain us. This encourages us to be patient and faithful in our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 55:10 teach about God's word?
Isaiah 55:10 illustrates that God's word is powerful and purposeful, much like rain and snow that nourish the earth. Just as these elements fall from the sky and do not return without fulfilling their role, God's messages and promises will accomplish what they are intended to do. This verse reassures us that God's word brings growth, sustenance, and life, emphasizing its reliability and effectiveness in our spiritual journey.
How can I apply Isaiah 55:10 in my daily life?
To apply Isaiah 55:10 in your daily life, focus on immersing yourself in God's word through reading, meditation, and prayer. Trust that His promises will manifest in your life, just as rain nurtures the earth. Be patient and faithful, knowing that spiritual growth takes time. This verse encourages you to seek God's guidance and provision, allowing His word to nourish your soul and lead you to abundance.
What is the significance of rain and snow in Isaiah 55:10?
In Isaiah 55:10, rain and snow symbolize the life-giving power of God's word. They represent how God's messages descend from heaven to nourish and sustain the earth, leading to growth and productivity. This imagery emphasizes that just as nature relies on these elements for life, we too depend on God's word for spiritual nourishment and fulfillment. It highlights the certainty that God's promises will yield positive results in our lives.
Why does Isaiah 55:10 emphasize that rain and snow do not return?
The emphasis that rain and snow do not return in Isaiah 55:10 signifies the effectiveness of God's word. Once rain and snow fall, they fulfill their purpose by watering the earth and enabling growth. Similarly, God's word is designed to accomplish its intended purpose without returning void. This assures believers that God's promises and messages will bring about transformation and provision in their lives, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His word.

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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