Isaiah 34:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →This prophecy is written in God's book and will unfailingly come to pass; not one creature will lack its mate.
The Context of Isaiah 34:16
Isaiah grounds the prophecy's certainty in God's written decree.
What Does Isaiah 34:16 Mean?
Isaiah calls his audience to consult the written word of God—the 'book of the LORD.' This is a metacommentary on prophecy itself: what the prophet declares is already recorded in God's eternal plan, and therefore its fulfillment is certain. The written word serves as a guarantee of what will occur.
The detail that 'no one shall fail' and 'none shall want her mate' circles back to the creatures populating the wasteland. God has spoken; His spirit has 'gathered them'—the creatures will come to Edom not by chance but by divine agency. Prophecy and creation work together to fulfill God's word.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 34:16
What does Isaiah 34:16 mean?
This prophecy is written in God's book and will unfailingly come to pass; not one creature will lack its mate.
What is the context of Isaiah 34:16?
Isaiah grounds the prophecy's certainty in God's written decree.