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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just promise healing for the lame and mute; it reveals that their joy will be so immense they'll leap "like a deer" and their tongues will burst into song. This vivid imagery highlights that God's restoration isn't merely functional but overflows with vibrant, unrestrained rejoicing.
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of a transformed future, painting a picture of profound restoration and joy. Following the promise that barren lands will become fertile and life-giving, these verses describe the miraculous healing that will accompany this renewal, emphasizing the vibrant celebration that erupts from formerly afflicted individuals. It signifies a complete reversal of suffering, where the wilderness itself becomes a source of refreshment, echoing the blessings that will flow from God's presence.
Imagine a world where brokenness is made whole, where disabilities are overcome not just for a moment, but permanently. This prophecy paints a picture of such a transformation.
The prophecy in Isaiah 35:6 speaks of profound healing. The lame man leaps 'as a deer,' and the mute 'sing for joy.' This isn't just about temporary relief; it signifies a complete restoration.
A Symbol of Complete Healing
When Jesus walked the earth, these prophecies found their literal fulfillment (as seen in Acts 3:8 and 14:10). The lame walked, and the mute spoke. This demonstrated that God’s kingdom, breaking into the world through Christ, brought a level of healing that addressed the deepest human afflictions.
Spiritual Restoration
Beyond the physical, this healing points to spiritual restoration. It represents the transformation that occurs when God's Spirit renews us. Those who were spiritually 'lame'—unable to walk with God—or spiritually 'mute'—unable to praise Him—find new life and voice through faith in Christ.
What happens when the driest, most desolate places burst forth with life? This passage offers a powerful metaphor for God's work in our lives and in the world.
The second part of Isaiah 35:6 provides the reason for the miraculous healing and joy: 'For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.' This imagery is incredibly potent.
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From Barrenness to Abundance
Ancient Near Eastern cultures deeply understood the harsh reality of deserts. Water was life, and its sudden appearance was a miracle. Isaiah uses this vivid picture to describe God's abundant grace appearing in the 'wilderness' of human life—places characterized by spiritual emptiness, despair, and desolation.
The Gospel as Living Water
This prophecy points forward to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is himself the source of living water (John 7:37-38). Where sin and spiritual death have created barrenness, God's grace, flowing through Christ, brings forth life, refreshment, and fruitfulness. It transforms the seemingly impossible into a vibrant oasis of God's presence and provision.
Understand the original words
pisseach · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being physically impaired or unable to walk. In a prophetic context, it symbolizes the spiritual restoration and wholeness brought about by God's kingdom.
illem · Hebrew Adjective
One who is unable to speak. Metaphorically, it often refers to those who are unable to praise God or communicate spiritual truth until God touches their lives.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A vast, uninhabited, or desolate region. In Scripture, it is often a place of testing, spiritual struggle, and a canvas for God’s miraculous provision and transformation.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's prophecy by describing Jesus' miracles as signs of the Messianic age, including the healing of the lame and mute.
John 7:37-39Jesus' invitation to drink from the 'living water' that flows from within believers connects the desert imagery of Isaiah with the spiritual refreshment and abundance provided by the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 41:18This verse is a parallel prophecy within Isaiah itself, describing God making waters and streams available in barren places, reinforcing the theme of divine provision in desolation.
Revelation 21:4The ultimate fulfillment of these promises is seen in the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with his people and wipes away every tear, signifying the complete end of suffering and the ultimate restoration.
barnesIsaiah 35:6: "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
Then shall the lame man leap - This was literally fulfilled after the coming of the Messiah Acts 14:10 ; Acts 3:8 . It is an emblem of the general joy which the coming of the Messiah would impart, and is an instance of the blessings which it would convey. As an hart - The word used here denotes the stag, or male deer. In Arabic it deno…
pooleIsaiah 35:6: "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert."
Then shall the lame man leap for joy, or go nimbly and readily. And this clause also, and that which follows, are to he understood both spiritually and literally, as in the former verse. In the wilderness small waters break out, and streams in the desert; the most dry and barren places shall be made moist and fruitful; which is princip…
The verse doesn't just promise healing for the lame and mute; it reveals that their joy will be so immense they'll leap "like a deer" and their tongues will burst into song. This vivid imagery highlights that God's restoration isn't merely functional but overflows with vibrant, unrestrained rejoicing.
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of a transformed future, painting a picture of profound restoration and joy. Following the promise that barren lands will become fertile and life-giving, these verses describe the miraculous healing that will accompany this renewal, emphasizing the vibrant celebration that erupts from formerly afflicted individuals. It signifies a complete reversal of suffering, where the wilderness itself becomes a source of refreshment, echoing the blessings that will flow from God's presence.
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of a transformed future, painting a picture of profound restoration and joy. Following the promise that barren lands will become fertile and life-giving, these verses describe the miraculous healing that will accompany this renewal, emphasizing the vibrant celebration that erupts from formerly afflicted individuals. It signifies a complete reversal of suffering, where the wilderness itself becomes a source of refreshment, echoing the blessings that will flow from God's presence.
"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;" — The verse doesn't just promise healing for the lame and mute; it reveals that their joy will be so immense they'll leap "like a deer" and their tongues will burst into song. This vivid imagery highli…
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Last reviewed October 2026