Isaiah 35:3

3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;

Isaiah 35:3 in Other Translations

KJV
3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
ESV
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
NLT
3 With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.
MSG
3 Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees.
CSB
3 Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees!

Isaiah 35:3 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands
These are the words of the prophet, as the Targum,

``the prophet said, strengthen the weak hands;''
or rather of God, by the prophet, to the converted Gentiles, to those who saw the glory of the Lord; particularly to the ministers of the Gospel, who have to do with weak and feeble persons, who can scarcely lift up their hands, or stand upon their legs, under a sense of sin, in a view of wrath, and immediate ruin and destruction, ready to sink and faint, because of their enemies, or through want of food; and their business is to comfort and strengthen them, by preaching the Gospel, and pointing out the promises of it to them: and confirm the feeble knees;
that so they may keep their ground against their enemies; shake off their fears and trembling; go on their way courageously and rejoicing; run, and not be weary; walk, and not faint: "hands" and "knees" are mentioned particularly, because a man's strength lies greatly in them; and his weakness is seen by the languor and trembling of them.

Isaiah 35:3 In-Context

1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus,
2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. 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.
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Job 4:4; Hebrews 12:12
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