Old Testament
Isaiah 55:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Instead of thorns, fir trees will grow, and instead of briers, myrtle trees will spring up. This will be for the LORD's renown, an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.
Compare translations
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
What Isaiah 55:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 55:13, the imagery of thorns and briers being replaced by fir and myrtle trees symbolizes transformation and renewal. Thorns and briers represent hardship and suffering, while fir and myrtle trees signify beauty and prosperity. This change reflects God's power to bring about positive change in our lives and the world. The verse emphasizes that this transformation is for the glory of the Lord, serving as a lasting sign of His faithfulness and ability to create something new from what was once undesirable. The mention of an everlasting sign indicates that God's work is permanent and enduring, showcasing His commitment to His people and His creation. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ability to bring about change and hope, even in difficult circumstances, reminding us that He can turn our struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.
How to apply Isaiah 55:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to transform our lives. When facing challenges, we can remember that God can replace our struggles with beauty and purpose. We should remain hopeful and look for signs of His work in our lives, knowing that change is possible.
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 55:13
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 55:13
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 55:13 mean?
Isaiah 55:13 conveys a message of transformation, where thorns and briers, symbols of hardship, are replaced by fir and myrtle trees, representing beauty and prosperity. This change highlights God's power to bring renewal and serves as a lasting sign of His faithfulness.
What is the significance of fir trees and myrtle trees in Isaiah 55:13?
In Isaiah 55:13, fir trees and myrtle trees symbolize renewal and beauty, contrasting with the thorns and briers that represent suffering. This imagery illustrates God's ability to transform difficult situations into something positive and flourishing.
What does the phrase 'everlasting sign' mean in Isaiah 55:13?
The phrase 'everlasting sign' in Isaiah 55:13 indicates that God's transformative work is permanent and enduring. It signifies His commitment to His people and serves as a reminder of His power to create lasting change.
How can Isaiah 55:13 apply to my life today?
Isaiah 55:13 encourages us to trust in God's ability to transform our struggles into something beautiful. It reminds us to remain hopeful and look for signs of His work in our lives, especially during challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.