Isaiah 43:2 (WEB)

Passage

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.

Nearby Context

Isaiah 43:1 But now Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.

Isaiah 43:2 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.

Isaiah 43:3 For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Isaiah 43:4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "pass", "through", "waters", "rivers", "overflow", and "walk". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "pass" and "through", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 1's "But now Yahweh who created you Jacob..." into verse 3's "For I am Yahweh your God the...", so "pass" and "through" belong inside that flow. In Isaiah context, the local focus is the Holy One of Israel, judgment and restoration, the servant of the LORD, and Zion's hope.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "pass" and "through" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.