Bible Strands
Isaiah 43:2
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — YHWH speaks directly to Israel (Jacob), immediately after declaring redemption (v.1) and before naming the ransom paid (v.3). The moment is one of reassurance, not command.
The words — כִּֽי (ki-) is the conditional "if," framing the promise as contingent on the trial actually occurring. יִשְׁטְפ֑וּ/ךָ (yish.te.Fu./kha), "they will overflow you," names the specific threat: not mere contact with water but being swept away by it.
The thread — The same "do not fear, I am with you" structure appears in Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9. Psalm 66:12 records Israel's own testimony of passing through fire and water and emerging into abundance.
Why it lands — The verse does not promise the waters or fire will be absent; it promises they will not overwhelm. The reader is asked to distinguish between exemption from trial and presence within it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James 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.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Psalms 66:12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.
- Psalms 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.
- 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!”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Psalms 91:15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
- 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Psalms 91:3 Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.