English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;
1
Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower -
2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.
2
bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
3
Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees.
4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you."
4
Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!"
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
5
Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped,
6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
6
Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.