“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just an invitation to spiritual satisfaction; it’s a radical redefinition of value. It overturns the idea that essential blessings like spiritual nourishment and refreshment can be earned or purchased, emphasizing that what truly matters – God’s grace – is freely given, making all human effort to “buy” it ultimately worthless.
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a shift from warnings and judgment to a gracious invitation from God. After detailing the Messiah's suffering and the future glory of his redeemed people, Isaiah now calls out to everyone, regardless of their status or spiritual poverty. This exuberant invitation to partake in God's provision is presented as a freely available banquet, underscoring the freeness of God's grace offered through the coming Messiah.
Imagine a grand banquet, open to all. But this isn't just any feast; it's an invitation from God Himself, transcending borders and backgrounds. Who is included in this boundless generosity?
The prophet Isaiah begins with a powerful, almost shouting invitation: "Ho, everyone who thirsts!" This isn't a small gathering for a select few. The commentators emphasize that 'every one' includes not only the people of Israel but also the Gentiles. It's a universal call.
Who is Invited?
The emphasis is on the desire for God, not on one's ability to pay or earn His favor. This stands in stark contrast to the often costly and ultimately unsatisfying pursuits of the world.
Isaiah offers 'waters,' 'wine,' and 'milk.' What do these familiar symbols represent in God's offer, and why are they given 'without money and without price'?
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The passage uses common sustenance items – water, wine, and milk – as metaphors for the profound spiritual blessings God provides. These aren't meant to be taken literally, but as symbols of what truly nourishes and satisfies the soul.
The Gifts Offered:
The Price Tag: Nothing!
The core message is that these invaluable spiritual gifts are offered 'without money and without price.' You cannot earn them, buy them, or deserve them. They are freely given out of God's grace. Commentators stress that this is a gift that transcends any human capacity to pay, whether through wealth or works. True spiritual satisfaction is not for sale; it is a free gift from a generous God.
Understand the original words
tsame' · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
The physical sensation of needing water, frequently used in Scripture as a metaphor for the deep spiritual longing of the human heart for God and His righteousness.
Isaiah delivers this prophecy during or shortly after the Babylonian exile, when the people are weary, impoverished, and spiritually thirsty. The imagery of freely offered water, wine, and milk speaks directly to their dire circumstances, promising a divine restoration and a messianic kingdom that transcends material scarcity and offers abundant spiritual nourishment and salvation.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports Judean nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, with a second, larger deportation of Judeans to Babylon.
c. 550-539 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great conquers the Median and Lydian empires and eventually the Neo-Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiles.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great captures Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus issues a decree permitting Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 520-516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, the Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, signifying a partial restoration of the Davidic kingdom.
c. 458-444 BC
Reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further waves of returnees and implement religious and social reforms to re-establish Jewish life and law in Jerusalem.
This passage directly echoes Isaiah's invitation, with Jesus calling out during a feast, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.'
Matthew 5:6Jesus' beatitude, 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,' reflects the profound spiritual longing that Isaiah addresses.
Revelation 22:17The final book of the Bible circles back to this theme, with the Spirit and the Bride saying, 'Come!' and the one who hears also saying, 'Come!' to anyone thirsty for the water of life.
Romans 5:8While Isaiah offers the 'gift' freely, Romans explains the immense cost of that gift, stating that God shows his love by Christ dying for us while we were still sinners.
Proverbs 9:1-6This passage presents a similar invitation to a feast prepared with wine and food, highlighting the freeness of the offer and the wisdom in accepting it, which parallels Isaiah's message of God's provisions.
bensonIsaiah 55:1: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."
Isaiah 55:1 . Ho, every one — Not only Jews, but Gentiles; that thirsteth — For the grace of God, and the blessings of the gospel; that desires them sincerely and earnestly, is active and diligent in the pursuit of them, and cannot be satisfied without enjoying them; come ye to the waters — Where you may drink and be…
pulpitIsaiah 55:1: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."
Verses 1-7. - AN EXHORTATION TO SPIRITUALITY AND REPENTANCE. The prophet passes from the ideal to the actual, from the glorious future to the unsatisfactory present. The people are not ripe for the blessings of the Messianic kingdom - they do not sufficiently value them. Hence a tender exhortation is addressed to them…
This verse isn't just an invitation to spiritual satisfaction; it’s a radical redefinition of value. It overturns the idea that essential blessings like spiritual nourishment and refreshment can be earned or purchased, emphasizing that what truly matters – God’s grace – is freely given, making all human effort to “buy” it ultimately worthless.
This passage marks a shift from warnings and judgment to a gracious invitation from God. After detailing the Messiah's suffering and the future glory of his redeemed people, Isaiah now calls out to everyone, regardless of their status or spiritual poverty. This exuberant invitation to partake in God's provision is presented as a freely available banquet, underscoring the freeness of God's grace offered through the coming Messiah.
This passage marks a shift from warnings and judgment to a gracious invitation from God. After detailing the Messiah's suffering and the future glory of his redeemed people, Isaiah now calls out to everyone, regardless of their status or spiritual poverty. This exuberant invitation to partake in God's provision is presented as a freely available banquet, underscoring the freeness of God's grace offered through the coming Messiah.
"“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." — This verse isn't just an invitation to spiritual satisfaction; it’s a radical redefinition of value. It overturns the idea that essential blessings like spiritual nourishment and refreshment can be e…
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Last reviewed October 2026