Old Testament

Isaiah 55:10

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

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.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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:

What Isaiah 55:10 means

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.

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

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.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

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

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 55:10

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 55:10

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 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.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.