Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

◄ Isaiah 30:18 ►

New International Version
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

New Living Translation
So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

English Standard Version
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

King James Bible
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

New King James Version
Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

NASB 1995
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

NASB 1977
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore Yahweh waits with longing to be gracious to you, And therefore He is on high to have compassion on you. For Yahweh is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Amplified Bible
Therefore the LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them].

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore the LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore the LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for Him are happy.

American Standard Version
And therefore will Jehovah wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for Jehovah is a God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The LORD always does right; he blesses those who trust him.

English Revised Version
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you. The LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

Good News Translation
And yet the LORD is waiting to be merciful to you. He is ready to take pity on you because he always does what is right. Happy are those who put their trust in the LORD.

International Standard Version
"Nevertheless, the LORD will wait so he can be gracious to you; and thus he will rise up to show you mercy. For the LORD is a God of justice. How blessed are all those who wait for him."

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.

NET Bible
For this reason the LORD is ready to show you mercy; he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you. Indeed, the LORD is a just God; all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore the LORD will wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may have mercy on you, for the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious to you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

World English Bible
Therefore Yahweh will wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may have mercy on you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And therefore YHWH waits to favor you, "" And therefore He is exalted to pity you, "" For YHWH [is] a God of judgment, "" O the blessedness of all waiting for Him.

Young's Literal Translation
And therefore doth wait Jehovah to favour you, And therefore He is exalted to pity you, For a God of judgment is Jehovah, O the blessedness of all waiting for Him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And for this Jehovah will wait to compassionate you, and for this he will be lifted up to pity you, for Jehovah is a God of judgment: happy all they waiting for him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore the Lord waiteth that he may have mercy on you: and therefore shall he be exalted sparing you: because the Lord is the God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the Lord waits, so that he may take pity on you. And therefore, he will be exalted for sparing you. For the Lord is the God of judgment. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

New American Bible
Truly, the LORD is waiting to be gracious to you, truly, he shall rise to show you mercy; For the LORD is a God of justice: happy are all who wait for him!

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Therefore the LORD will begin to be gracious to you, and therefore he will be exalted that he may have mercy upon you; for the LORD is a God of judgment; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because LORD JEHOVAH shall begin to show compassion upon you, and he shall be exalted to hover over you, because God is the Judge LORD JEHOVAH, and blessed are all who wait for him

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, And therefore will He be exalted, that He may have compassion upon you; For the LORD is a God of justice, Happy are all they that wait for Him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord will again wait, that he may pity you, and will therefore be exalted that he may have mercy upon you: because the Lord your God is a judge: blessed are they that stay themselves upon him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

God's Mercies
18Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him. 19O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 37:34
Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

Lamentations 3:25-26
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Micah 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope.

James 5:7-8
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Psalm 33:20
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

Psalm 62:5
Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

Romans 8:24-25
For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? / But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Psalm 25:3
Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.

Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You.

Treasury of Scripture

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious to you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy on you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

therefore

Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Exodus 34:6
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Hosea 2:14
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

wait

Isaiah 18:4
For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.

Isaiah 57:17,18
For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart…

Jeremiah 31:18-20
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God…

will he be

Isaiah 33:10-12
Now will I rise, saith the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself…

Psalm 46:10,11
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth…

Psalm 76:5-10
The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands…

for the Lord

Isaiah 33:5
The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.

Isaiah 42:1-4
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles…

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

blessed

Isaiah 8:17
And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

Isaiah 25:9
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 26:7,8
The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just…

Jump to Previous

Blessed Blessedness Blessing Compassion Exalted Exalts Favour Gracious Happy High Hope Judgment Justice Kind Longs Mercy Pity Righteousness Show Wait Waiting Waits

Jump to Next

Blessed Blessedness Blessing Compassion Exalted Exalts Favour Gracious Happy High Hope Judgment Justice Kind Longs Mercy Pity Righteousness Show Wait Waiting Waits

Isaiah 30

1. The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt
8. And contempt of God's word
18. God's mercies toward his church
27. God's wrath and the people's joy, in the destruction of Assyria

Berean Study Bible

Therefore the LORD longs
The Hebrew word for "longs" is "ḥākâ," which conveys a deep yearning or desire. This word suggests not just a passive waiting but an active, eager anticipation. In the context of Isaiah, this longing reflects God's enduring patience and desire to extend grace to His people despite their rebellion. Historically, Israel often turned away from God, yet His longing underscores His unwavering commitment to their restoration.

to be gracious to you
The term "gracious" comes from the Hebrew "ḥānan," meaning to show favor or mercy. This grace is unmerited, highlighting God's benevolence and love. In the broader scriptural context, grace is a central theme, pointing to God's redemptive plan through Christ. Theologically, this grace is not earned but freely given, emphasizing God's initiative in the relationship with His people.

therefore He rises
The phrase "He rises" uses the Hebrew "qûm," which means to stand up or arise. This action signifies God's readiness and active involvement in the lives of His people. It is a powerful image of God not being distant or passive but actively engaging to bring about His purposes. Historically, this can be seen in God's interventions throughout Israel's history, where He rises to deliver and restore.

to show you compassion
"Compassion" is translated from the Hebrew "raḥam," which is related to the word for womb, suggesting a deep, nurturing love. This compassion is akin to a parent's love for a child, full of tenderness and care. In the biblical narrative, God's compassion is a recurring theme, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore His people despite their failings.

For the LORD is a God of justice
The word "justice" is "mišpāṭ" in Hebrew, indicating fairness, right judgment, and righteousness. God's justice is perfect, ensuring that He acts in accordance with His holy nature. This justice is not merely punitive but restorative, aiming to bring about righteousness and peace. In the historical context, God's justice was a source of hope for the oppressed and a warning to the unrepentant.

Blessed are all who wait for Him
"Blessed" comes from the Hebrew "’ašrê," meaning happy or fortunate. This blessing is not just material but spiritual, indicating a state of well-being and favor with God. "Wait" is from the Hebrew "ḥākâ," the same word used earlier for "longs," suggesting an active, hopeful anticipation. Those who wait for the LORD are promised His blessing, reflecting a trust in His timing and faithfulness. This waiting is an act of faith, rooted in the assurance of God's character and promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) And therefore . . .--The words seem to embody the thought that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." Precisely because of this isolated misery Jehovah was "waiting," i.e., longing, with an eager expectation, to come to the rescue.

And therefore will he be exalted.--A very slight alteration gives a meaning more in harmony with the context, will wait in stillness (Cheyne). If we adhere to the existing text, we must take the meaning will withdraw himself on high, will seem to wait, that He may at last interpose effectually.

A God of judgment.--Better, of righteousness.

All they that wait for him.--This waiting is, as in the first clause, that of wistful longing.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 18-26. - A RENEWAL OF PROMISE. The denunciations of the preceding passage (vers. 9-17) had been so terrible that, without some counterpoise of promise, they must have produced a general despair. This was not the Divine purpose. Judah's probation still continued. Therefore it was necessary to let it be seen that the Divine long-suffering was not yet exhausted - there were still conditions under which God would be gracious to his people. The conditions were "crying to the Lord" (ver. 19), and entire abolition of idolatry (ver. 22). Verse 18. - And therefore. "Because your sins require this chastisement" (Kay); "Because of the extremity of your need" (Cheyne). It is, perhaps, best to own that the motives of the Divine action are very commonly obscure; and, if seen clearly by the prophets, are certainly not clearly set forth, being (it may be) inscrutable. While the motive, however, is obscure, the promise is plain and unmistakable, The Lord will wait, that he may be gracious unto you. God is not about at present to "make a full end;" he is bent on "waiting" - his intent is "to be gracious." He will be exalted, that he may have mercy. He will find some means of vindicating his honor and exalting himself, short of your destruction, in order that it may be open to him to give you a further chance of repentance, whereby you would obtain mercy. For the Lord is a God of judgment. God is essentially just; sin must receive punishment; but the punishment may be short of destruction. Justice does not exclude mercy. If men bear their punishment with patience, and wait for God, a brighter day will dawn on them in course of time.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Therefore
וְלָכֵ֞ן (wə·lā·ḵên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

longs
יְחַכֶּ֤ה (yə·ḥak·keh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2442: To adhere to, to await

to be gracious to you;
לַֽחֲנַנְכֶ֔ם (la·ḥă·nan·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

therefore
וְלָכֵ֥ן (wə·lā·ḵên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

He rises
יָר֖וּם (yā·rūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

to show you compassion,
לְרַֽחֶמְכֶ֑ם (lə·ra·ḥem·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7355: To fondle, to love, to compassionate

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is a just
מִשְׁפָּט֙ (miš·pāṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

God.
אֱלֹהֵ֤י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

Blessed are
אַשְׁרֵ֖י (’aš·rê)
Interjection
Strong's 835: Happiness, interjection, how happy!

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who wait
ח֥וֹכֵי (ḥō·w·ḵê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2442: To adhere to, to await

for Him.
לֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

Links

Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Isaiah 30:18 NLT
Isaiah 30:18 ESV
Isaiah 30:18 NASB
Isaiah 30:18 KJV

Isaiah 30:18 BibleApps.com
Isaiah 30:18 Biblia Paralela
Isaiah 30:18 Chinese Bible
Isaiah 30:18 French Bible
Isaiah 30:18 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Isaiah 30:18 Therefore Yahweh will wait that he may (Isa Isi Is)