so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that God's spoken word isn't just communication; it's inherently powerful and purposeful. It's sent out with a mission to accomplish exactly what God intends, guaranteeing success and completion, much like rain that never fails to water the earth and make it fruitful.
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears at the end of a powerful invitation from God to all people to come to Him for life and sustenance, drawing a comparison to the life-giving power of rain and snow. Following this invitation, God declares that His word, like the natural elements, is inherently effective and will not return to Him unfulfilled, promising success in accomplishing His purposes. The verses immediately following this one paint a picture of joyful return and transformation, further illustrating the guaranteed impact of God's spoken promises.
Ever feel like your words just float away, forgotten as soon as they're spoken? God's Word is different. It carries an inherent power that ensures its mission is accomplished.
This verse highlights that God's word isn't just communication; it's a divine decree that carries the weight of His authority. Just as rain, sent from heaven, inevitably nourishes the earth, God's word, when it goes out from His mouth, is guaranteed to achieve His intended purpose.
Isaiah 55 is full of promises – invitations to a feast, assurances of pardon, and visions of restoration. This verse guarantees that every promise God makes will come to fruition.
The context of Isaiah 55 is a powerful invitation to receive God's abundant grace and forgiveness. This verse, Isaiah 55:11, acts as the divine seal of approval on all those invitations and promises. It assures us that God's word, which includes His promises and His commands, is not a mere suggestion but a guarantee of His faithfulness.
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Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
God's communicated truth, decree, or promise. It is inherently powerful and authoritative, functioning as the primary vehicle for God's action in creation and redemption.
This passage demonstrates the creative power of God's spoken word, echoing Isaiah's theme that God's word is not merely descriptive but actively performs His will.
Psalm 33:6Similar to Isaiah 55:11, this verse attributes the creation of the heavens to God's spoken word, highlighting its inherent power and purpose.
John 1:1This verse identifies Jesus as the Word, connecting directly to the idea that God's word, embodied in Christ, accomplishes His purposes, just as Isaiah's word is sent to succeed.
Romans 10:11This New Testament passage affirms that 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,' paralleling Isaiah's promise that God's word will not return empty but will achieve its intended purpose.
Hebrews 4:12This verse describes the Word of God as 'living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,' emphasizing its potent and effective nature, much like the word described in Isaiah 55:11 that accomplishes its mission.
wesleyIsaiah 55:11: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
55:11 My word - My promises, concerning the pardon of the greatest sinners. Void - Without success.
pulpitIsaiah 55:11: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
Verse 11. - So shall my word be. God's word is creative. With the utterance the result is achieved. Hence the sublime passage, which even heathenism could admire (Longin., 'De Sublim.,' § 9), "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). Hence, too, the more general state…
The verse emphasizes that God's spoken word isn't just communication; it's inherently powerful and purposeful. It's sent out with a mission to accomplish exactly what God intends, guaranteeing success and completion, much like rain that never fails to water the earth and make it fruitful.
This verse appears at the end of a powerful invitation from God to all people to come to Him for life and sustenance, drawing a comparison to the life-giving power of rain and snow. Following this invitation, God declares that His word, like the natural elements, is inherently effective and will not return to Him unfulfilled, promising success in accomplishing His purposes. The verses immediately following this one paint a picture of joyful return and transformation, further illustrating the guaranteed impact of God's spoken promises.
This verse appears at the end of a powerful invitation from God to all people to come to Him for life and sustenance, drawing a comparison to the life-giving power of rain and snow. Following this invitation, God declares that His word, like the natural elements, is inherently effective and will not return to Him unfulfilled, promising success in accomplishing His purposes. The verses immediately following this one paint a picture of joyful return and transformation, further illustrating the guaranteed impact of God's spoken promises.
"so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." — The verse emphasizes that God's spoken word isn't just communication; it's inherently powerful and purposeful. It's sent out with a mission to accomplish exactly what God intends, guaranteeing succes…
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Last reviewed October 2026