Old Testament
Isaiah 66:9
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 66:9, God uses the metaphor of childbirth to express His faithfulness and commitment to His people.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Would I bring a baby to the point of birth and then not deliver it?" says the LORD. "Would I, the one who brings life, close the womb?" says your God.
Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 66:9, God uses the metaphor of childbirth to express His faithfulness and commitment to His people. Just as a mother would not go through the pain of labor only to abandon her child, God assures His people that He will not leave them without help or deliverance. The verse emphasizes that God is the source of life and will not prevent the fulfillment of His promises. It highlights His power and willingness to bring about new beginnings and hope, reinforcing the idea that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. This passage serves as a reminder that God is trustworthy and will complete what He has started, encouraging believers to have faith in His plans and timing. Explore related gods.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 66:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises, especially during difficult times. Just as a mother trusts that her child will be born, we can have faith that God will fulfill His plans for us. We should remain hopeful and patient, knowing that God is working in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 66:9 mean in simple terms?
Isaiah 66:9 uses the imagery of childbirth to illustrate God's unwavering commitment to His people. It conveys that just as a mother would not endure labor pains only to abandon her child, God will not forsake His promises or leave His people without help. This verse reassures believers of God's faithfulness and His active role in bringing about new beginnings and deliverance.
How can Isaiah 66:9 apply to my life today?
This verse encourages you to trust in God's promises, especially during challenging times. Just as a mother has faith that her child will be born, you can have confidence that God will fulfill His plans for you. It reminds you to remain hopeful and patient, knowing that God is working behind the scenes in your life, even when circumstances seem difficult.
What themes are present in Isaiah 66:9?
Isaiah 66:9 highlights several key themes, including God's faithfulness, the assurance of divine promises, the significance of life and birth, hope and deliverance, and God's active involvement in the lives of His people. These themes encourage believers to trust in God's plans and recognize His power to bring about positive change.
Why does God use childbirth as a metaphor in Isaiah 66:9?
God uses childbirth as a metaphor in Isaiah 66:9 to illustrate the deep emotional connection and commitment He has to His people. Childbirth represents new life and hope, symbolizing God's promise to bring forth deliverance and fulfillment. This metaphor resonates with the experience of pain followed by joy, emphasizing that God's plans will come to fruition despite any struggles.

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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