Hexagram 40

Deliverance

雷水解 · 解 · Xiè | Thunder over Water

Thunder and rain clear the air; release tension and move on.

ReliefReleaseResolutionForgiveness

Upper trigram

震 · Thunder

Lower trigram

坎 · Water

The Judgment

“The southwest furthers. If there is nowhere to go, return brings good fortune. If there is somewhere to go, hasten.”

The Lines

Six at the beginningNo blame.

Nine in the second placeHunting, he catches three foxes and finds a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune.

Six in the third placeCarrying a burden on one's back yet riding in a carriage invites robbers. Perseverance brings regret.

Nine in the fourth placeFree yourself of your big toe (the unworthy clinging to you); then a friend comes, and there is trust.

Six in the fifth placeIf the noble person can deliver himself, good fortune. This shows the petty people where they stand.

Six at the topThe duke shoots a hawk on a high wall and brings it down. Nothing is unfavorable.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

A thunderstorm breaks and clears the tension—relief after difficulty. The knot loosens, and it is time to set things right and move forward.

Guidance

Resolve lingering problems promptly, forgive what is past, and act swiftly on what remains.

When This Hexagram Appears

The easing of a hard period, when tension breaks and quick, clean resolution restores movement.

FAQ about Hexagram 40

What does Hexagram 40, Deliverance, mean?

Deliverance (雷水解, hexagram 40 of the I Ching). A thunderstorm breaks and clears the tension—relief after difficulty. The knot loosens, and it is time to set things right and move forward.

What is the Judgment of the Deliverance hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “The southwest furthers. If there is nowhere to go, return brings good fortune. If there is somewhere to go, hasten.” Thunder and rain clear the air; release tension and move on.

What guidance does Hexagram 40 offer?

Resolve lingering problems promptly, forgive what is past, and act swiftly on what remains.

When does the Deliverance hexagram apply?

The easing of a hard period, when tension breaks and quick, clean resolution restores movement.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 37 · The Family

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 39 · Obstruction

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.