Isaiah 21:14 Meaning and Explanation
“The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people of Tema show mercy to the thirsty and hungry refugees fleeing the conflict.
The Context of Isaiah 21:14
A portrait of compassion amid conflict, as desert peoples care for those fleeing violence.
What Does Isaiah 21:14 Mean?
This verse depicts an act of covenant kindness: the inhabitants of Tema (an oasis settlement in Arabia) provide water and bread to those in need. Brought water and prevented with their bread—the language emphasizes swift, generous response. In the harsh desert, water and bread are survival itself; offering them is profound mercy.
The scene shows displaced persons fleeing violence and receiving aid from strangers. Even amid the chaos and conflict described in the earlier oracles, human compassion persists. This may reflect the promise that not all will perish in the upheaval; the merciful will be remembered, and refugees will find shelter among neighboring peoples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 21:14
What does Isaiah 21:14 mean?
The people of Tema show mercy to the thirsty and hungry refugees fleeing the conflict.
What is the context of Isaiah 21:14?
A portrait of compassion amid conflict, as desert peoples care for those fleeing violence.