Keraia
Isaiah 26

Isaiah 26:18

A Song of Salvation · Isaiah 26:1–21
Read Isaiah 26

Translations

Modern
We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.
Traditional
We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.
Literal
We were pregnant; we writhed; we gave birth as if to the wind; we have not accomplished salvation on earth, and those dwelling in the world have not fallen.
Latin
Concepimus, et quasi parturivimus, et peperimus spiritum. Salutes non fecimus in terra; ideo non ceciderunt habitatores terræ.

Original

Hebrew
English
We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.

Notes

Isaiah 26:18

Only God can give salvation and bring life (see Isaiah 59:9–15).

Isaiah 26:7–21

The godly pray for the end of oppression and the full establishment of God’s kingdom. Isaiah encouraged the godly to persevere as they wait for their final vindication and the resurrection of the body.

Isaiah 26:1–21

This part of the Little Apocalypse (see study note on Isaiah 24:1–27:13) is a song of praise and a prayer for salvation.

Isaiah 24:1–27:13

This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.

In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.

These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.

The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).

Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.

Events

Glossary

Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Character of the Wicked: Unjust Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations