Isaiah 43:2
New International Version
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

New Living Translation
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

English Standard Version
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Berean Standard Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

King James Bible
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

New King James Version
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

New American Standard Bible
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

NASB 1995
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

NASB 1977
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Legacy Standard Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Amplified Bible
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

Christian Standard Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.

American Standard Version
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Contemporary English Version
When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won't drown. When you walk through fire, you won't be burned or scorched by the flames.

English Revised Version
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you.

Good News Translation
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.

International Standard Version
When you pass through the waters, I'll be with you; and through the rivers, they won't sweep over you. when you walk through fire you won't be scorched, and the flame won't set you ablaze.

Majority Standard Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

NET Bible
When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you.

New Heart English Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flame will not scorch you.

Webster's Bible Translation
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

World English Bible
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
When you pass into waters, I [am] with you, "" And into floods, they do not overflow you, "" When you go into fire, you are not burned, "" And a flame does not burn against you.

Young's Literal Translation
When thou passest into waters, I am with thee, And into floods, they do not overflow thee, When thou goest into fire, thou art not burnt, And a flame doth not burn against thee.

Smith's Literal Translation
When thou shalt pass through the waters, I with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou shalt go through fire thou shalt not be burnt, and the flame shall not consume thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
When thou shalt pass through the waters, I will be with thee, and the rivers shall not cover thee: when thou shalt walk in the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, and the flames shall not burn in thee:

Catholic Public Domain Version
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not cover you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not scorch you.

New American Bible
When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you.

New Revised Standard Version
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When you shall pass through the sea, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If you cross the Sea, I am with you, and the rivers shall not overwhelm you, and if you will walk on fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if thou pass through water, I am with thee; and the rivers shall not overflow thee: and if thou go through fire, thou shalt not be burned; the flame shall not burn thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Only Savior
1Now this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.…

Cross References
Psalm 66:12
You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.

Daniel 3:25
“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”

Exodus 14:21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Joshua 3:15-17
Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, / the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. / The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 91:3-7
Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. / He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. / You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ...

Psalm 138:7
If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.

Zechariah 13:9
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ...

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.


Treasury of Scripture

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle on you.

passest

Isaiah 8:7-10
Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: …

Isaiah 11:15,16
And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod…

Exodus 14:29
But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

I will be

Isaiah 41:10,14
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness…

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…

Joshua 1:5,9
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…

when thou walkest

Daniel 3:25-27
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God…

Zechariah 13:9
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

Malachi 3:2,3
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: …

he

1 Peter 4:12,13
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: …

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Ablaze Burn Burned Burnt Consume Fire Flame Flames Floods Goest Kindle Overflow Overwhelm Passest Rivers Scorch Scorched Sweep Walk Walkest Waters
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Isaiah 43
1. The Lord comforts the church with his promises.
8. He appeals to the people for witness of his omnipotence
14. He foretells them the destruction of Babylon
18. And his wonderful deliverance of his people
22. He reproves the people as inexcusable














When you pass through the waters
The phrase "pass through the waters" evokes imagery of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, a pivotal moment of deliverance in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "waters" (מַיִם, mayim) often symbolizes chaos and danger. In this context, it represents life's overwhelming challenges. The assurance here is God's presence amidst these trials, echoing His faithfulness and power to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I will be with you
This promise of divine presence is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "with" (עִמָּךְ, immak) signifies not just proximity but an intimate, supportive presence. This assurance is reminiscent of God's promise to Moses in Exodus 3:12 and to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, reinforcing the idea that God's presence is a source of strength and courage.

when you go through the rivers
"Rivers" in the ancient Near Eastern context often represented boundaries and transitions. The Jordan River, for example, was a significant boundary the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "rivers" (נְהָרוֹת, neharot) suggests a flow that can be both life-giving and threatening. Here, it symbolizes life's transitions and uncertainties, with the assurance that they will not "overwhelm" or "sweep over" the faithful.

they will not overwhelm you
The term "overwhelm" (יִשְׁטְפוּךָ, yishtfukha) in Hebrew conveys the idea of being swept away or submerged. This promise assures believers that, despite the intensity of life's challenges, they will not be consumed or defeated. It reflects God's protective power and His ability to sustain His people through adversity.

When you walk through the fire
"Fire" is often a symbol of purification and testing in the Bible. The Hebrew word for "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh) can denote both destructive and refining qualities. This phrase suggests trials that test faith and character, much like the fiery furnace experienced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. The promise here is that such trials will not lead to destruction but rather to refinement and growth.

you will not be scorched
The assurance of not being "scorched" (תִּכָּוֶה, tikkaveh) implies protection from harm. In the context of fiery trials, it suggests that while believers may face intense challenges, they will emerge unharmed in their faith and spirit. This echoes the protective nature of God, who shields His people from ultimate harm.

and the flames will not set you ablaze
The imagery of flames not setting one ablaze (תִּבְעַר בָּךְ, tiv'ar bakh) reinforces the theme of divine protection. Flames, which can consume and destroy, are rendered powerless by God's safeguarding presence. This promise highlights God's sovereignty over all elements of creation and His ability to preserve His people through any trial.

(2) When thou passest through the waters . . .--The two contrasted forms of elemental perils are used, as elsewhere, proverbially for all forms of danger (Psalm 66:12).

Verse 2. - Through the waters... through the rivers; i.e. through troubles of any kind (comp. Psalm 66:12, "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place"). There were, perhaps, special troubles to be endured connected with the final Babylonian struggle. There were certainly others connected with the tedious and dangerous journey from Babylonia to Palestine (Ezra 8:22, 31). There were others, again, after the Holy Land was reached, arising out of the jealousy and ill will of neighbouring nations (Ezra 4. and 5; Nehemiah 4-6.). Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. The literal fulfilment in the persons of the "three children" (Daniel 3:27) will be obvious to every reader. But the prophecy has, no doubt, a far wider scope.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you pass
תַעֲבֹ֤ר (ṯa·‘ă·ḇōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

through the waters,
בַּמַּ֙יִם֙ (bam·ma·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

I
אָ֔נִי (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

will be with you;
אִתְּךָ־ (’it·tə·ḵā-)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

and [when you go through] the rivers,
וּבַנְּהָר֖וֹת (ū·ḇan·nə·hā·rō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

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

overwhelm you.
יִשְׁטְפ֑וּךָ (yiš·ṭə·p̄ū·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7857: To gush, to inundate, cleanse, to gallop, conquer

When
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you walk
תֵלֵ֤ךְ (ṯê·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

through
בְּמוֹ־ (bə·mōw-)
Preposition
Strong's 1119: In, with, by

the fire,
אֵשׁ֙ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

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

be scorched,
תִכָּוֶ֔ה (ṯik·kā·weh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3554: To burn, scorch, brand

and the flames
וְלֶהָבָ֖ה (wə·le·hā·ḇāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3852: A flash, a sharply polished blade, point of a, weapon

will not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

set you ablaze.
תִבְעַר־ (ṯiḇ·‘ar-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 43:1
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