Old Testament
Isaiah 57:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And he will say, "Build it up! Build up the road! Clear the path! Remove every obstacle from the way of my people."
Compare translations
And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
What Isaiah 57:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 57:14, God is calling for the removal of barriers that hinder His people from returning to Him. The phrase "Build it up! Build up the road!" emphasizes the need for preparation and restoration. This verse reflects God's desire for a clear path for His people, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the importance of making way for divine guidance. The obstacles mentioned can represent sin, doubt, or anything that distracts from a relationship with God. By urging the removal of these stumbling blocks, God is inviting His people to come back to Him freely and without hindrance. This call to action is not just about physical roads but also about the spiritual journey, encouraging believers to clear away anything that obstructs their faith and connection with God. It highlights God's commitment to His people and His desire for them to experience a direct and unobstructed relationship with Him.
How to apply Isaiah 57:14 to your life
In our lives, we should identify and remove obstacles that hinder our relationship with God. This may involve letting go of negative influences, unhealthy habits, or unresolved issues. By clearing these barriers, we can create a more direct path to spiritual growth and connection with God.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 57:14
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 57:14
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 57:14 mean?
Isaiah 57:14 conveys God's call to remove barriers that prevent His people from returning to Him. It emphasizes the importance of preparing a clear path for spiritual renewal and divine guidance.
What is the meaning of 'Build it up! Build up the road!' in Isaiah 57:14?
'Build it up! Build up the road!' signifies the need for preparation and restoration in our spiritual lives. It highlights God's desire for His people to have a clear and unobstructed path to Him.
How can I apply Isaiah 57:14 in my life?
You can apply Isaiah 57:14 by identifying and removing obstacles in your life that hinder your relationship with God. This may involve letting go of negative influences or habits that distract you from your faith.
What obstacles does Isaiah 57:14 refer to?
The obstacles in Isaiah 57:14 can refer to sin, doubt, or anything that distracts from a relationship with God. The verse encourages believers to clear these barriers for a more direct connection with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.