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◄ Isaiah 42:16►

New International Version
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

New Living Translation
I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

English Standard Version
And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.

Berean Standard Bible
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

King James Bible
And I will bring the blind by a waythat they knew not; I will lead them in pathsthat they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

New King James Version
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

New American Standard Bible
“I will lead those who are blind by a way they have not known, In paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them And uneven land into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”

NASB 1995
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”

NASB 1977
“And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.”

Legacy Standard Bible
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not forsake them.”

Amplified Bible
“I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandonedor undone.”

Christian Standard Bible
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

American Standard Version
And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

Contemporary English Version
I will lead the blind on roads they have never known; I will guide them on paths they have never traveled. Their road is dark and rough, but I will give light to keep them from stumbling. This is my solemn promise.

English Revised Version
And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; in paths that they know not will I lead them: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things will I do, and I will not forsake them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them.

Good News Translation
"I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light and make rough country smooth before them. These are my promises, and I will keep them without fail.

International Standard Version
I'll help the blind walk, even on a road they do not know; I'll guide them in directions they do not know. I'll turn the dark places into light in front of them, and the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I won't abandon them.

NET Bible
I will lead the blind along an unfamiliar way; I will guide them down paths they have never traveled. I will turn the darkness in front of them into light, and level out the rough ground. This is what I will do for them. I will not abandon them.

New Heart English Bible
I will bring the blind by a way that they do not know. I will lead them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do for them, and not forsake them.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.

World English Bible
I will bring the blind by a way that they don’t know. I will lead them in paths that they don’t know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I have caused the blind to go, "" In a way they have not known, "" I cause them to tread in paths they have not known, "" I make a dark place become light before them, "" And unleveled places become a plain, "" These [are] the things I have done to them, "" And I have not forsaken them.

Young's Literal Translation
And I have caused the blind to go, In a way they have not known, In paths they have not known I cause them to tread, I make a dark place before them become light, And unlevelled places become a plain, These are the things I have done to them, And I have not forsaken them.

Smith's Literal Translation
I brought the blind by a way they knew not; and I will cause them to tread in beaten paths they knew not: I will set darkness for light before them, and crooked ways into straightness; these words I did them, and I forsook them not.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I will lead the blind into the way which they know not: and in the paths which they were ignorant of I will make them walk: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight: these things have I done to them, and have not forsaken them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I will lead the blind along a way which they do not know. And I will cause them to walk along paths with which they were unfamiliar. I will turn darkness into light before them, and crooked into straight. These things I have done for them. For I have not abandoned them.

New American Bible
I will lead the blind on a way they do not know; by paths they do not know I will guide them. I will turn darkness into light before them, and make crooked ways straight. These are my promises: I made them, I will not forsake them.

New Revised Standard Version
I will lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I will lead the blind by a way that they know not; and in the paths that they have not known I will make them walk; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things have I done to them and have not forsaken them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I shall lead the blind in the way that they do not know, and I shall make them walk in the paths that they have not known. I shall make darkness light before them and I shall smooth the rugged places. These responses I have made to them and I have not forsaken them

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, In paths that they knew not will I lead them; I will make darkness light before them, and rugged places plain. These things will I do, And I will not leave them undone.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not, and I will cause them to tread paths which they have not known: I will turn darkness into light for them, and crooked things into straight. These things will I do, and will not forsake them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A New Song of Praise
…15I will lay waste the mountains and hills and dry up all their vegetation. I will turn the rivers into dry land and drain the marshes.16I will lead the blind by a way they did not know;I will guide them on unfamiliar paths.I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground.These things I will do for them,and I will not forsake them.17But those who trust in idols and say to molten images, ‘You are our gods!’ will be turned back in utter shame.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

John 12:35-36
Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.

Luke 1:78-79
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Revelation 21:23-24
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. / By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.

Proverbs 4:18
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Isaiah 35:5-6
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 49:9-10
to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill. / They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.

Isaiah 60:19-20
No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.

Jeremiah 31:8-9
Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! / They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”

Treasury of Scripture

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do to them, and not forsake them.

I will bring

Isaiah 29:18,24
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness…

Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, Thisis the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Isaiah 32:3
And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.

lead

Isaiah 41:3
He pursued them,and passed safely;even by the waythat he had not gone with his feet.

Joshua 3:4
Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passedthis way heretofore.

Hosea 2:6
Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths.

crooked

Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

Isaiah 45:2
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Ecclesiastes 1:15
That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

straight.

Psalm 94:14
For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Jeremiah 32:39-41
And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: …

Ezekiel 14:23
And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.

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Blind Cause Caused Crooked Darkness Forsake Forsaken Ground Guide Guiding Lead Level Paths Places Plain Plains Roads Rough Rugged Straight Strange Tread Turn Undone Way Ways

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Blind Cause Caused Crooked Darkness Forsake Forsaken Ground Guide Guiding Lead Level Paths Places Plain Plains Roads Rough Rugged Straight Strange Tread Turn Undone Way Ways

Isaiah 42

1.The office of Christ, graced with meekness and constancy.
5.God's promise unto him.
10.An exhortation to praise God for his Gospel
13.God will manifest himself, and check idolatry
18.He reproves the people of incredulity.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

I will lead the blind by a way they did not know;
This phrase highlights God's guidance and provision for those who are spiritually blind or unaware of His ways. In biblical context, blindness often symbolizes a lack of spiritual insight or understanding (Isaiah 6:9-10,John 9:39-41). The promise of leading the blind suggests God's initiative in revealing Himself and His truth to those who cannot find their way on their own. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who declared Himself the Light of the World (John 8:12) and came to open the eyes of the blind (Luke 4:18).

I will guide them on unfamiliar paths.
God's guidance on unfamiliar paths indicates His sovereignty and omniscience. The Israelites often faced unknown territories during their journey to the Promised Land, relying on God's direction (Exodus 13:21-22). This assurance of guidance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to lead His people through life's uncertainties. It also reflects the Christian journey of faith, where believers trust in God's wisdom rather than their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I will turn darkness into light before them
Turning darkness into light signifies transformation and revelation. In the Bible, light is often associated with God's presence and truth (Psalm 27:1,John 1:4-5). This transformation is prophetic of the coming of Christ, who brings light to a dark world (Isaiah 9:2,John 1:9). It also speaks to the personal transformation believers experience when they come to faith, moving from the darkness of sin into the light of salvation (Ephesians 5:8).

and rough places into level ground.
This imagery of making rough places smooth reflects God's power to remove obstacles and provide a clear path for His people. It echoes the preparation for the coming of the Lord, as seen inIsaiah 40:3-4, where the way is made straight for God's arrival. This can also be seen as a metaphor for the sanctification process, where God works in believers' lives to remove hindrances and make their paths straight (Hebrews 12:1-2).

These things I will do for them,
This phrase emphasizes God's commitment and active involvement in the lives of His people. It reassures believers of God's promises and His willingness to act on their behalf. Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to fulfill His promises (Numbers 23:19,2 Corinthians 1:20).

and I will not forsake them.
The assurance of God's presence and faithfulness is a recurring theme in the Bible. This promise not to forsake His people is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6,Joshua 1:5). In the New Testament, this promise is extended to all believers through Christ, who assures His followers of His continual presence (Matthew 28:20,Hebrews 13:5). This provides comfort and strength, knowing that God is always with His people, regardless of their circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Blind
Symbolically represents those who are spiritually blind or lacking understanding. In the context of Isaiah, it often refers to Israel, who is in need of divine guidance.

2.The LORD (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, promising guidance and transformation for His people. Yahweh is the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness and power.

3.Unfamiliar Paths
Represents the new and unknown ways that God will lead His people, signifying change and divine intervention.

4.Darkness and Light
Symbolic of ignorance and understanding, or despair and hope. God's intervention brings enlightenment and hope.

5.Rough Places
Metaphor for difficulties and obstacles in life that God promises to smooth out for His people.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance
God promises to lead us even when we cannot see the way. Trust in His guidance, especially in times of uncertainty.

Transformation
God has the power to transform our darkest moments into light. Seek His presence in times of despair for hope and clarity.

Faithfulness of God
God assures us that He will not forsake us. Rely on His steadfast love and faithfulness in all circumstances.

Overcoming Obstacles
God can make rough places smooth. Trust Him to help you overcome life's challenges and obstacles.

Spiritual Enlightenment
Seek God's wisdom and understanding to illuminate your path and guide your decisions.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 42:16?

2.How does Isaiah 42:16 illustrate God's guidance in our daily lives?

3.What does "turn darkness into light" mean for personal spiritual growth?

4.How can Isaiah 42:16 encourage trust in God's plan during uncertain times?

5.Connect Isaiah 42:16 with Psalm 119:105 about God's word as a light.

6.How can we apply "straighten the crooked places" to our moral decision-making?

7.How does Isaiah 42:16 reflect God's guidance in times of spiritual blindness or confusion?

8.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 42:16?

9.How does Isaiah 42:16 demonstrate God's promise to lead and not forsake His people?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 42?

11.How can we proclaim liberty to the captives?

12.Was His Life the Light of Men?

13.Could Isaiah 42:6-7 be an ex eventu prophecy, written after the outcomes it predicts already occurred?

14.How do we reconcile Revelation 16's imagery with the more symbolic or metaphorical interpretations found in other prophetic books?

What Does Isaiah 42:16 Mean

I will lead the blind by a way they did not know

Isaiah pictures people who cannot see the next step—whether Israel in exile (Isaiah 42:18,25) or any believer sensing confusion. The Lord promises: “I will lead.”

•Psalm 23:3 echoes this Shepherd care: “He guides me in paths of righteousness.”

• Jesus declares Himself “the light of the world” who gives sight to the spiritually blind (John 9:5-7).

• When Saul of Tarsus lost physical sight, the risen Christ literally led him “by a way he did not know” into salvation and service (Acts 9:3-6).

God’s leadership is proactive—He does not merely send directions; He takes the blind by the hand.

I will guide them on unfamiliar paths

The journey may feel new, but it is not unplanned.

•Proverbs 3:5-6 invites trust when the path seems “unfamiliar”: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

• Abraham followed God “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8); unfamiliar terrain became the proving ground of faith.

• The disciples, called to leave nets and boats, walked untrodden roads with Jesus (Mark 1:16-18).

Unfamiliarity is often the setting where the Lord demonstrates His reliability.

I will turn darkness into light before them

God does not merely shine light from afar; He turns the darkness itself into light.

•Psalm 18:28 affirms, “You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness.”

• In creation, “God said, ‘Let there be light’ ” (Genesis 1:3); in new creation He speaks the same into hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6).

• When Israel left Egypt, the pillar of fire lit their night (Exodus 13:21-22).

He transforms circumstances so that what once obscured becomes a testimony of His illumination.

and rough places into level ground

Obstacles flatten under His hand.

•Isaiah 40:4 foretells valleys lifted and mountains lowered “for the glory of the LORD to be revealed.”

•Zechariah 4:7 calls great mountains “a plain” before God’s servant.

• InActs 16:26 an earthquake turned a prison floor into a mission field; God leveled the “rough places” of bondage.

His power engineers smooth passage where human strength would stumble.

These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them

The promise rests on God’s character, not human merit.

•Deuteronomy 31:6 repeats, “He will never leave you nor forsake you,” a pledge echoed inHebrews 13:5.

• Jesus’ last words on earth confirm, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

• Paul, deserted by people, testified, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:16-17).

The same faithful God who begins the journey stays to its completion.

summary

Isaiah 42:16 is a five-fold promise of personal guidance, steady leadership, transforming light, obstacle-removing power, and unfailing presence. For every believer who feels blind, bewildered, or blocked, God pledges to shepherd through unknown roads, turn darkness into day, pave rough terrain, and remain constant. The verse invites confident trust: the One who leads never forsakes.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. -I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not. "The blind" here can only be captive Israel, still dim-sighted from the effect of its old sins against light, and therefore greatly needing God's guidance. God promises to "bring them" out of captivity "by a way not hitherto known to them" - the way of voluntary release by the favour of a new king (see the comment on ver. 9).I will make darkness light before them; either,I will illuminate with rays of light and hope the dark and cheerless life that they have been leading (Delitzsch), or, Iwill throw light upon that dark future which has hitherto stretched before them,and allow them to penetrate its obscurity,and see what is about to happen.Crooked things; rather,rough places;i.e. difficulties of any and every kind. Straight; rather,smooth,level,flat,.These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Dr. Kay translates, "These thingshave I done, andhave not forsaken them;" Mr. Cheyne, "These are the things that I will do, and will not let them slip;" Delitzsch, "These are the things that I carry out and do not leave." According to the two latter renderings, the clause is a mere solemn confirmation of the previous promises.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I will lead
וְהוֹלַכְתִּ֣י(wə·hō·w·laḵ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk

the blind
עִוְרִ֗ים(‘iw·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5787:Blind

by a way
בְּדֶ֙רֶךְ֙(bə·ḏe·reḵ)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of action

they did not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

know;
יָדָ֔עוּ(yā·ḏā·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3045:To know

I will guide them
אַדְרִיכֵ֑ם(’aḏ·rî·ḵêm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1869:To tread, to walk, to string a, bow

on unfamiliar
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

paths.
בִּנְתִיב֥וֹת(bin·ṯî·ḇō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5410:Path, pathway

I will turn
אָשִׂים֩(’ā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, set

darkness
מַחְשָׁ֨ךְ(maḥ·šāḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4285:Darkness, a dark place

into light
לָא֗וֹר(lā·’ō·wr)
Preposition, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 216:Illumination, luminary

before them
לִפְנֵיהֶ֜ם(lip̄·nê·hem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440:The face

and rough places
וּמַֽעֲקַשִּׁים֙(ū·ma·‘ă·qaš·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4625:A twisted or crooked place

into level ground.
לְמִישׁ֔וֹר(lə·mî·šō·wr)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4334:A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice

These
אֵ֚לֶּה(’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, those

things
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים(had·də·ḇā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause

I will do for them,
עֲשִׂיתִ֖ם(‘ă·śî·ṯim)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make

and I will not
וְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

forsake them.
עֲזַבְתִּֽים׃(‘ă·zaḇ·tîm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5800:To loosen, relinquish, permit

Links

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 42:16 I will bring the blind (Isa Isi Is)