New International VersionI will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,
New Living TranslationI will plant trees in the barren desert— cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine.
English Standard VersionI will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together,
Berean Standard BibleI will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,
King James BibleI will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:
New King James VersionI will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, The myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine And the box tree together,
New American Standard Bible“I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia, the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert, Together with the elm tree and the cypress,
NASB 1995“I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress,
NASB 1977“I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia, and the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert, Together with the box tree and the cypress,
Legacy Standard BibleI will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress,
Amplified Bible“I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia, the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress,
Christian Standard BibleI will plant cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive trees in the wilderness. I will put juniper, elm, and cypress trees together in the desert.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI will plant cedars in the desert, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will put juniper trees in the desert, elms and cypress trees together,
American Standard VersionI will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desert the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together:
Contemporary English VersionI will fill the desert with all kinds of trees--cedars, acacias, and myrtles; olive and cypress trees; fir trees and pines.
English Revised VersionI will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, the pine, and the box tree together:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI will plant cedar, acacia, myrtle, and wild olive trees in the desert. I will place cedar, fir, and cypress trees together in the wilderness.
Good News TranslationI will make cedars grow in the desert, and acacias and myrtles and olive trees. Forests will grow in barren land, forests of pine and juniper and cypress.
International Standard VersionI'll put cedar trees in the wilderness, along with acacia, myrtle, and olive trees. I'll plant cypresses in the desert— box trees, and pine trees together—
NET BibleI will make cedars, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees grow in the wilderness; I will make evergreens, firs, and cypresses grow together in the desert.
New Heart English BibleI will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;
Webster's Bible TranslationI will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah-tree, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desert the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,
World English BibleI will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set cypress trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI give in a wilderness the cedar, "" Shittah, and myrtle, and oil-tree, "" I set in a desert the fir-pine and box-wood together.
Young's Literal Translation I give in a wilderness the cedar, Shittah, and myrtle, and oil-tree, I set in a desert the fir-pine and box-wood together.
Smith's Literal TranslationI will give in the desert the cedar, the acacia, and the myrtle, and the tree of oil; I will set in the sterile region the the elm and the box tree together. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI will plant in the wilderness the cedar, and the thorn, and the myrtle, and the olive tree: I will set in the desert the fir tree, the elm, and the box tree together:
Catholic Public Domain VersionI will plant the cedar in a deserted place, with the thorn, and the myrtle, and the olive tree. In the desert, I will plant the pine, and the elm, and the box tree together,
New American BibleIn the wilderness I will plant the cedar, acacia, myrtle, and olive; In the wasteland I will set the cypress, together with the plane tree and the pine,
New Revised Standard VersionI will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI will plant in the wilderness the cedars, the acacia tree, the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will set in the desert the cypress and the pine and the box tree together;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedI shall give cedars and acacia trees in the wilderness, and the myrtle and the tree of oil. I shall put glorious cypresses in the plain together OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia-tree, And the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane-tree, and the larch together;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationI will plant in the dry land the cedar and box, the myrtle and cypress, and white poplar:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God's Help to Israel… 18I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. 19I will plantcedarsin the wilderness,acacias,myrtles,and olivetrees.I will setcypressesin the desert,elmsand boxwoodtogether,20so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”…
Cross References Isaiah 55:13Instead of the thornbush, the cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, the myrtle will spring up; this will make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign, never to be destroyed.”
Isaiah 35:1-2The wilderness and the dry land will be glad; the desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. / It will bloom profusely and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
Isaiah 32:15until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.
Isaiah 60:13The glory of Lebanon will come to you—its cypress, elm, and boxwood together—to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet.
Ezekiel 47:12Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”
Psalm 104:16-17The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted, / where the birds build their nests; the stork makes her home in the cypresses.
Psalm 1:3He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
Revelation 22:2down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 2:7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
Revelation 22:14Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.
Ezekiel 36:35Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’
Jeremiah 17:8He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.
1 Kings 6:29Then he carved the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved engravings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.
1 Kings 6:32The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.
1 Kings 6:18The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.
Treasury of Scripture I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: plant Isaiah 27:6 He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. Isaiah 32:15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Isaiah 37:31,32 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward: … Jump to Previous AcaciaBoxBox-TreeCedarCypressDesertFirFir-TreeJuniperLarchMyrtleOilOil-TreeOliveOlive-TreePinePinesPlanePlane-TreePlantPlantedShittahTogetherTreeTreesWasteWildernessJump to Next AcaciaBoxBox-TreeCedarCypressDesertFirFir-TreeJuniperLarchMyrtleOilOil-TreeOliveOlive-TreePinePinesPlanePlane-TreePlantPlantedShittahTogetherTreeTreesWasteWildernessIsaiah 41 1.God expostulates with his people, about his mercies to the church.10.About his promises21.And about the vanity of idols.I will plant cedars in the wildernessThe cedar tree is often associated with strength and durability, frequently used in the construction of temples and palaces in ancient Israel, including Solomon's Temple ( 1 Kings 6:9-10). The wilderness, typically a place of desolation and barrenness, symbolizes the transformative power of God to bring life and prosperity where there was none. This imagery reflects God's promise to restore and bless His people, turning desolation into a place of beauty and strength. acacias, myrtles, and olive trees
Acacia wood was used in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:10), symbolizing resilience and endurance. The myrtle tree, known for its fragrant leaves and flowers, is a symbol of peace and divine blessing, often associated with the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:15). Olive trees are significant in biblical history, representing peace, prosperity, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 52:8). Together, these trees signify a diverse and abundant blessing, encompassing spiritual, physical, and communal prosperity. I will set cypresses in the desert
Cypress trees, known for their height and evergreen nature, symbolize eternal life and resurrection. The desert, a place of scarcity, is transformed into a lush environment, indicating God's ability to provide and sustain life even in the most challenging circumstances. This transformation is a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the hope of resurrection, pointing to the ultimate restoration through Christ. elms and boxwood together
Elms and boxwood are less frequently mentioned in Scripture but are known for their hardiness and utility. The inclusion of these trees suggests a comprehensive restoration, where every need is met, and every resource is provided. This reflects the completeness of God's provision and the unity of His creation, as diverse elements come together harmoniously. The imagery of diverse trees growing together in a once barren land underscores the theme of unity and peace among God's people, a foretaste of the harmony found in the Kingdom of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope. 2. Wilderness and DesertThese represent barren and desolate places, often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe spiritual dryness or lifelessness. 3. Trees (Cedars, Acacias, Myrtles, Olive Trees, Pines, Firs, Cypresses)Each tree has its own significance in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, endurance, and prosperity. Their planting in the wilderness signifies transformation and divine blessing. 4. God's PromiseThe event of God promising to transform the barren places into lush landscapes symbolizes His power to bring life and renewal. 5. IsraelThe primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, representing God's chosen people who were often in need of spiritual renewal and hope. Teaching Points God's Power to TransformJust as God can transform a barren desert into a lush forest, He can transform our lives, bringing growth and renewal where there was once desolation. Symbolism of TreesEach tree mentioned has unique characteristics that can symbolize different aspects of spiritual life, such as strength (cedars), resilience (acacias), and peace (myrtles). Hope in DesolationThis verse offers hope that no matter how desolate our circumstances may seem, God has the power to bring about change and renewal. Spiritual GrowthJust as trees grow and flourish, we are called to grow in our faith and bear fruit, even in challenging environments. God's ProvisionThe variety of trees signifies the abundance and diversity of God's provision for His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 41:19?
2.How does Isaiah 41:19 demonstrate God's power in transforming barren places?
3.What significance do the specific trees in Isaiah 41:19 hold for believers?
4.How can Isaiah 41:19 inspire faith in God's provision today?
5.Connect Isaiah 41:19 with other scriptures about God's restoration and renewal.
6.How can we apply the promise of Isaiah 41:19 in our spiritual lives?
7.How does Isaiah 41:19 reflect God's power in transforming barren places into fruitful ones?
8.What is the significance of the specific trees mentioned in Isaiah 41:19?
9.How does Isaiah 41:19 demonstrate God's provision and care for His people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 41?
11.What defines acacia wood?
12.Who was Ephraim in the Bible?
13.Isaiah 41:18-19: Where is the archeological or historical evidence for deserts turning into pools of water and forests suddenly appearing in barren regions?
14.Exodus 37:1-9: How could ancient desert nomads craft such detailed cherubim from pure gold with the tools and resources supposedly available?What Does Isaiah 41:19 Mean I will plant cedars in the wilderness• Cedars—renowned for height, strength, and longevity (Psalm 92:12;Psalm 104:16)—do not naturally spring up in arid wastelands. • By promising to “plant” them, the Lord declares His direct, miraculous intervention, much like when He “turned the desert into pools of water” (Psalm 107:35). • The literal picture assures Israel of a coming restoration so unmistakable that only God could receive the credit (Isaiah 35:1–2). • For believers today, it reinforces confidence that the same God can bring sturdy, lasting life where we see only barrenness (Ephesians 3:20).
acacias, myrtles, and olive trees• Acacias thrive in harsh climates and remind Israel of the tabernacle’s acacia-wood furnishings (Exodus 25:10), a subtle pledge of renewed worship. • Myrtles, fragrant evergreens used in joyous Feast of Booths branches (Nehemiah 8:15), point to gladness replacing exile’s sorrow (Isaiah 55:13). • Olive trees symbolize fruitfulness and covenant blessing: “I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God” (Psalm 52:8). • Grouping the three together paints a scene of beauty, fragrance, and provision—evidence that God restores every dimension of life, not merely survival.
I will set cypresses in the desert• Cypresses (or junipers) provide durable timber (1 Kings 9:11) and deep shade—unexpected luxuries in a desert. • Isaiah later envisions nations bringing these very trees to Zion “to adorn My sanctuary” (Isaiah 60:13), linking the promise to future global worship. • The verb “set” underscores divine intentionality; God is not sprinkling seeds at random but landscaping His land with purpose (Jeremiah 32:41).
elms and boxwood together• Elms (or plane trees) and boxwood broaden the palette with rich foliage and fine grain, materials prized for temple craftsmanship (Isaiah 41:20). • The word “together” shows variety flourishing side by side—another hint of unity among God’s people and even the nations (Isaiah 56:6–7). • Where there was once monotony and death, God promises diversity and life, echoing Eden’s garden restored (Revelation 22:1–2).
summaryIsaiah 41:19 is a concrete, literal promise of the Lord’s power to reverse Israel’s desolation. By naming specific trees—cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, elm, and boxwood—God paints a vibrant picture of strength, beauty, joy, and abundance springing up where none existed. The passage assures us that He is both able and eager to transform the most hopeless landscapes—national, communal, or personal—into living testimonies of His glory. (19) I will plant in the wilderness.--A picture as of the Paradise of God ( Isaiah 51:3), with its groves of stately trees, completes the vision of the future. The two groups of four and three, making up the symbolic seven, may probably have a mystic meaning. The "shittah" is the acacia,the "oil tree" the wild olive,as distinguished from the cultivated ( Romans 11:17), the "fir tree" is probably the cypress,the "pine" stands for the plane,always--as in the opening of Plato's Ph?drus,and the story of Xerxes in Herod. vii. 31,--the glory of Eastern scenery and the "box-tree" is perhaps the larch,or a variety of cedar. The "myrtle" does not appear elsewhere in the Old Testament till after the exile ( Nehemiah 8:15; Zechariah 1:8; Zechariah 1:10-11), but then it appears as if indigenous. It supplies the proper name Hadassah (Esther) in Esther 2:7. . . . Verse 19. - I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, etc. The "glory of Lebanon," the "excellency of Carmel and Sharon" ( Isaiah 35:2), shall be given to the "wilderness," wherein Israel dwells. The trees named are the choicest of Syria and Palestine, viz. the cedar ( erez). the great glory of Libanus; the acacia ( shittah), abundant in the Jordan valley; the myrtle ( hadas), whieh grew on the hills about Jerusalem ( Nehemiah 8:15); the olive, cultivated over the whole country; the fir ( berosh), or juniper. a product of Lebanon ( 2 Chronicles 2:8); the plane ( tidhar), a tree far from uncommon in Coele-syria, sometimes growing to a great size; and the sherbin ( teasshur), a sort of cedar, remarkable for the upward tendency of its branches. The list of names shows a writer familiar with the Palestinian region, but not familiar with Babylonia.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew I will plantאֶתֵּ֤ן(’et·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setcedarsאֶ֣רֶז(’e·rez)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 730:A cedar treein the desert,בַּמִּדְבָּר֙(bam·miḏ·bār)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057:A pasture, a desert, speechacacias,שִׁטָּ֔ה(šiṭ·ṭāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7848:Acacia (a tree and a wood)myrtles,וַהֲדַ֖ס(wa·hă·ḏas)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1918:Myrtle (tree)and oliveשָׁ֑מֶן(šā·men)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081:Grease, liquid, richnesstrees.וְעֵ֣ץ(wə·‘êṣ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodI will setאָשִׂ֣ים(’ā·śîm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setevergreensבְּר֛וֹשׁ(bə·rō·wōš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1265:A cypress, tree, a lance, a musical instrumentin the desert,בָּעֲרָבָ֗ה(bā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6160:Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galileeelmsתִּדְהָ֥ר(tiḏ·hār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8410:Enduring, a species of hard-wood, lasting treeand cypress treesוּתְאַשּׁ֖וּר(ū·ṯə·’aš·šūr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8391:A species of cedartogether,יַחְדָּֽו׃(yaḥ·dāw)Adverb
Strong's 3162:A unit, unitedly
Links Isaiah 41:19 NIVIsaiah 41:19 NLTIsaiah 41:19 ESVIsaiah 41:19 NASBIsaiah 41:19 KJV
Isaiah 41:19 BibleApps.comIsaiah 41:19 Biblia ParalelaIsaiah 41:19 Chinese BibleIsaiah 41:19 French BibleIsaiah 41:19 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Isaiah 41:19 I will put cedar acacia myrtle (Isa Isi Is) |
