Isaiah 41:13

KJV

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will hold {H2388} thy right hand {H3225}, saying {H559} unto thee, Fear {H3372} not; I will help {H5826} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I, ADONAI, your God, say to you, as I hold your right hand, 'Have no fear; I will help you.

Berean Standard Bible

For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

American Standard Version

For I, Jehovah thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 41:13 delivers a profound message of divine comfort and unwavering assurance, revealing the Lord God's intimate involvement and steadfast commitment to His people. In a context of fear and uncertainty, this verse encapsulates God's personal presence, His direct command to relinquish fear, and His definitive promise of active, sustaining help, emphasizing His identity as the sovereign and faithful covenant-keeping God who intimately upholds those who belong to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 41:13 is situated within the second major section of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-55). This section primarily addresses the exilic and post-exilic community of Israel, a people grappling with profound despair, national humiliation, and existential fear regarding their future and God's faithfulness. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 41:10-12](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10-12 - God's Assurance to Israel") set the immediate stage, repeatedly issuing the divine imperative "Fear not" and assuring Israel that their enemies will be utterly confounded, while they themselves will be upheld by God's righteous right hand. This particular verse deepens that assurance by personifying God's active support through the imagery of holding their hand, reinforcing the themes of divine presence and powerful intervention against all odds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-55 are largely directed towards the Israelites facing or anticipating the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national crisis, displacement, and spiritual questioning. The people were surrounded by powerful pagan empires and their idolatrous practices, leading to doubts about the supremacy of their God, Yahweh. In this geopolitical and spiritual climate, the imagery of God holding a hand would have resonated deeply. In the ancient Near East, holding someone's hand signified protection, guidance, a pledge of support, or even a declaration of ownership and intimate relationship. The promise of help from "the LORD thy God" directly confronts the despair and the perceived impotence of their God in the face of mighty empires and their false deities, reasserting Yahweh's unique power and covenant fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intimacy and Presence**, portraying God not as a distant deity but as one who actively engages with His people, symbolized by the personal act of "holding thy right hand." This gesture speaks of protection, guidance, and profound solidarity. Secondly, the direct command, "Fear not," underscores **Assurance Against Fear**, a recurring divine imperative throughout Scripture, especially in moments of great challenge or revelation. It addresses the deep-seated anxieties of a vulnerable people, providing divine peace in the face of human apprehension, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption of Israel") and [Isaiah 44:2](/isaiah/44-2 "Isaiah 44:2 - God's Care for Israel"). Lastly, the explicit promise, "I will help thee," emphasizes **Unwavering Divine Help and Sovereignty**, assuring believers that they are not alone in their struggles and that the omnipotent God is committed to providing necessary aid and deliverance, stemming from His identity as "the LORD thy God," a powerful declaration of His covenant relationship and supreme authority over all creation, as seen in [Isaiah 40:28-31](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28-31 - God's Incomparable Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the Strong's H3068 data, this is the sacred, covenant name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithful, unchanging relationship with His chosen people. When He declares "I the LORD thy God," it underscores the unchangeable character and absolute authority of the One making the promise, grounding the assurance in His very being.
* **hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** Derived from the Strong's H2388 data, this root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In this context, "hold" signifies a firm, secure grasp, conveying active support, strengthening, and protection. It's not a passive presence but an active, empowering grip that prevents falling and imparts courage.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** According to the Strong's H3225 data, this refers to "the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous)." In ancient cultures, the right hand symbolized strength, power, honor, and decisive action. For God to hold Israel's right hand means He is providing the necessary power, guidance, and protection for them to stand firm and act effectively, even when they feel weak.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Based on Strong's H3372, this primitive root means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In the imperative "Fear not," it is a command to cease being afraid or terrified. This is not merely an emotional suggestion but a divine directive to trust in God's power and presence, which should overcome any human apprehension.
* **help (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** From Strong's H5826, this root means "to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour." This signifies comprehensive and active assistance. God's promise to "help" implies not just moral support but tangible, effective intervention that surrounds and protects His people, providing deliverance from their distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I the LORD thy God":** This opening clause establishes the identity and authority of the speaker. "The LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes His covenant faithfulness and self-existent nature, while "thy God" highlights the personal, intimate, and exclusive relationship He has with His people, Israel. The promise is rooted in His very character and His commitment to His chosen ones.
* **"will hold thy right hand":** This is a powerful anthropomorphic image depicting God's active and intimate involvement. The "right hand" symbolizes strength, power, and action. For God to hold it signifies His personal support, guidance, and the impartation of His strength to His people, preventing them from falling or faltering. It conveys protection, solidarity, and a pledge of assistance.
* **"saying unto thee, Fear not;":** This is a direct, imperative command from God, addressing the deep-seated anxieties and fears of His people. It is not a suggestion but a divine injunction to overcome apprehension through trust in His presence and power. This phrase serves as a profound source of comfort and reassurance, directly confronting human weakness with divine authority.
* **"I will help thee.":** This is a definitive and unconditional promise of divine intervention and succor. It assures the recipient that they are not alone in their struggles and that the omnipotent God is committed to providing all necessary aid, support, and deliverance. It is a declaration of active, effective assistance that flows from His nature as the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 41:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comfort and assurance. **Anthropomorphism** is central, as God is depicted with human attributes—specifically, a hand that can "hold" another's. This makes the abstract concept of divine care tangible and relatable, fostering a sense of intimacy and personal connection. The phrase "Fear not" functions as a direct **Imperative**, a divine command that is both authoritative and deeply compassionate, demanding a response of trust rather than succumbing to anxiety. The "right hand" is a powerful **Symbol**, representing strength, honor, and decisive action; God holding Israel's right hand therefore symbolizes His impartation of strength, His protective guidance, and His active intervention on their behalf. Furthermore, the recurring "Fear not" theme throughout Isaiah 40-55, including in this verse, demonstrates **Repetition** as a rhetorical strategy, reinforcing this critical message of divine assurance in the face of overwhelming despair. The concise, declarative statements also lend a sense of **Authority and Certainty** to God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 41:13 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's immanence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the lives of individuals, especially in their moments of deepest fear and vulnerability. This verse underscores His sovereignty, demonstrating that His power is not merely abstract but actively deployed for the succor of those He calls His own. The promise to "hold thy right hand" and "help thee" flows directly from His self-declared identity as "the LORD thy God," emphasizing His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His character as the ultimate source of strength and deliverance. It is a testament to divine grace, where God initiates and sustains His people through their trials, not based on their merit, but on His steadfast love and omnipotence. This passage serves as a foundational declaration of God's personal care, assuring believers that His presence is an active, sustaining force against all fear and adversity.

* [Psalm 73:23](/psalms/73-23 "Psalm 73:23 - God's Continual Presence and Guidance"): "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand."
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous"): "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Beyond Understanding"): "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 41:13 offers a timeless wellspring of comfort and strength for believers navigating the complexities and anxieties of contemporary life. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, personal struggles, and overwhelming challenges, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our Almighty God is not only aware of our fears but is intimately present and actively engaged in our lives. When we feel weak, lost, or overwhelmed by circumstances, we are invited to lean into the profound promise that the Creator of the universe is literally holding our hand, guiding us through the darkness and providing the precise strength we need. This divine assurance encourages us to surrender our anxieties to Him, trusting in His unfailing help and constant presence. It calls us to shift our focus from our limited human capabilities to His infinite power, affirming that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone, for our faithful God is with us to help, sustain, and lead us, just as He promised Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God holding your right hand personally comfort you when you face moments of fear or uncertainty?**
* **What specific fears or anxieties in your life are you invited to surrender to the Lord, trusting in His explicit promise, "I will help thee"?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively lean into God's promised presence and strength when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate?**

### FAQ
**What does "holding thy right hand" signify in Isaiah 41:13?**

Answer: The phrase "holding thy right hand" is a powerful anthropomorphic image signifying God's intimate presence, active support, and protective guidance. In ancient cultures, the right hand symbolized strength, honor, and decisive action. For God to hold someone's right hand means He is imparting His strength, preventing them from falling, leading them forward, and providing a secure, personal pledge of His unwavering assistance and solidarity. It conveys a deeply personal and active relationship, much like a parent holding a child's hand through a difficult path.

**Why does God repeatedly say "Fear not" in Isaiah, especially in chapters 40-55?**

Answer: The repeated divine imperative "Fear not" (e.g., [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Assurance to Israel"), [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God's Redemption of Israel"), [Isaiah 44:2](/isaiah/44-2 "Isaiah 44:2 - God's Care for Israel")) serves as a foundational theme in Isaiah's "Book of Comfort" because it directly addresses the profound despair, anxiety, and sense of abandonment felt by the Israelite exiles. They were facing national humiliation, displacement, and the perceived triumph of pagan gods. God's repeated command to "Fear not" is a direct challenge to their human apprehension, rooted in His declaration of His own sovereign identity and His unfailing covenant faithfulness. It is a call to trust in His supreme power over all nations and idols, and His ultimate plan for their redemption and restoration.

**How does this verse apply to personal struggles and anxieties in the modern world?**

Answer: Isaiah 41:13 transcends its original historical context to offer profound comfort and practical application for individuals today. In a world filled with personal anxieties, economic uncertainties, health challenges, and relational strains, the verse reminds us that God's character as "the LORD thy God" remains unchanged. His promise to "hold thy right hand" means He is intimately present in our struggles, offering His strength and guidance. The command "Fear not" is a divine invitation to surrender our worries to Him, trusting that His promise "I will help thee" is active and true. It encourages believers to find peace and courage not in their own abilities or circumstances, but in the unfailing, personal support of the Almighty God, who is always with them to sustain and deliver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 41:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While God promised to hold Israel's hand and help them, Jesus embodies the very presence of God "with us," becoming [Immanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - God With Us"). He is the ultimate manifestation of God's intimate presence and active help. In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated God's power to calm fears, not just by words but by divine action, as seen when [He rebuked the storm and brought peace](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), echoing the "Fear not" imperative. He literally "held the hands" of the sick and afflicted, bringing healing and restoration. More significantly, Jesus' entire life, death, and resurrection represent God's supreme act of "help" for humanity. Through His sacrifice, He provided the ultimate deliverance from sin and death, offering a help far beyond temporal aid. The promise "I will help thee" culminates in Christ's work on the cross, where He bore the weight of human fear and sin, and in His resurrection, which guarantees victory and eternal life. Furthermore, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the "Helper" or "Comforter" promised by Jesus in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Helper"), believers continue to experience God's intimate presence and sustaining power, ensuring that He will [never leave nor forsake them](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God's Unfailing Presence"), fulfilling the spirit of Isaiah 41:13 in every generation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 73:23

Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.

Psalms 63:8

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Psalms 109:31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save [him] from those that condemn his soul.

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;