Isaiah 42:6

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

I the LORD {H3068} have called {H7121} thee in righteousness {H6664}, and will hold {H2388} thine hand {H3027}, and will keep {H5341} thee, and give {H5414} thee for a covenant {H1285} of the people {H5971}, for a light {H216} of the Gentiles {H1471};

Complete Jewish Bible

"I, ADONAI, called you righteously, I took hold of you by the hand, I shaped you and made you a covenant for the people, to be a light for the Goyim,

Berean Standard Bible

“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:6 inaugurates the first of the "Servant Songs," presenting a profound divine commission to the LORD's chosen Servant. This verse unveils God's sovereign initiative in calling the Servant in perfect righteousness, promising unwavering divine support and protection. It then articulates the Servant's dual, expansive mission: to establish or embody a covenant for the people of Israel, thereby renewing their relationship with God, and to serve as a universal light, bringing salvation and truth to the Gentile nations, thus extending God's redemptive grace beyond Israel's borders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:6 is a pivotal verse within the "Servant Songs," specifically marking the divine introduction of the Servant in the first song (Isaiah 42:1-9). These songs are central to the latter half of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), which addresses the exiled people of Judah with messages of hope, restoration, and God's ultimate sovereignty. Following chapters that emphasize God's incomparable power and His role as the only true God (e.g., [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - The Comfort of God's Power")), this verse shifts focus to the instrument through whom God will accomplish His redemptive purposes. The preceding verses (Isaiah 42:1-4) describe the Servant's gentle yet unwavering character and His mission to bring justice, while the subsequent verses (Isaiah 42:7-9) elaborate on the impact of His work, including opening blind eyes and releasing prisoners, culminating in a declaration of new things.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans a significant period of Israelite history, from the Assyrian threat in the 8th century BCE to the Babylonian exile and the promise of return in the 6th century BCE. Chapters 40-55, where this verse is found, are primarily addressed to a people in exile, struggling with despair and questioning God's faithfulness. The concept of a "covenant" was foundational to Israel's identity, rooted in God's promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and Moses ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Mosaic Covenant")). The idea of a "light to the Gentiles" was revolutionary, challenging the prevailing ethnocentric view that God's favor was exclusively for Israel. While Israel was called to be a "light" (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Israel as a Light")), this verse introduces a specific Servant who embodies and extends this universal mission, indicating a broader scope for God's redemptive plan beyond national boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. The theme of **Divine Calling and Election** is prominent, emphasizing that the Servant's mission is not self-initiated but divinely appointed and rooted in God's perfect righteousness. This divine initiative underscores God's sovereign plan for salvation. The theme of **God's Sustaining Presence** is highlighted by the promise of God holding the Servant's hand and keeping Him, signifying intimate guidance, empowerment, and protection amidst a challenging mission, echoing God's faithfulness to His people throughout their history (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Promise to Never Leave")). Furthermore, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Universal Redemption**, expanding the scope of God's saving work beyond Israel to include all nations. The Servant's role as a "covenant of the people" speaks to the renewal and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, while being a "light of the Gentiles" reveals God's inclusive love for humanity, foreshadowing the global reach of salvation (as seen in [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Gentiles Coming to Israel's Light")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting, like בָּרָא); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. In this context, the Servant is not merely a mediator of a covenant, but is given *as* a covenant. This suggests the Servant Himself embodies the means by which God's promises are fulfilled and a new relationship is established. It points to a living embodiment of God's faithful commitment to His people.
* **light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** From אוֹר; illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.); bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. Here, "light" is a powerful metaphor for salvation, truth, guidance, and spiritual revelation. The Servant brings spiritual illumination to those in darkness, dispelling ignorance, sin, and despair, and leading them into the knowledge of God.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** Rarely (shortened) גֹּי; apparently from the same root as גֵּוָה (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts; Gentile, heathen, nation, people. This term explicitly refers to the non-Israelite nations. Its inclusion here underscores the universal scope of the Servant's mission, indicating that God's redemptive plan extends beyond the chosen nation of Israel to encompass all humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I the LORD have called thee in righteousness,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the Servant's righteous character. The LORD (Yahweh, H3068) is the one who calls, signifying His sovereign election and purpose. The calling is "in righteousness" (H6664), implying that God's choice is just and that the Servant Himself is characterized by integrity and conformity to God's standards. This sets the foundation for the Servant's unimpeachable authority and mission.
* **"and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee,"**: These phrases promise intimate divine support and protection. "Will hold thine hand" (H2388, H3027) signifies guidance, strength, and intimate fellowship, suggesting God's constant presence and active assistance in the Servant's work. "Will keep thee" (H5341) implies preservation and guarding, assuring the Servant of divine protection against all obstacles and adversaries, enabling the successful completion of the arduous task.
* **"and give thee for a covenant of the people,"**: This clause defines a primary aspect of the Servant's mission concerning Israel ("the people," H5971). The Servant is not merely to announce a covenant but to be given *as* a covenant (H1285). This suggests that the Servant Himself embodies the terms and fulfillment of God's promises to His people, establishing a renewed or new relationship between God and Israel through His person and work.
* **"for a light of the Gentiles;"**: This final clause expands the Servant's mission to a global scale. The Servant is to be a "light" (H216) for the "Gentiles" (H1471), the non-Jewish nations. This signifies that the Servant will bring spiritual illumination, truth, and salvation to those outside the covenant community of Israel, extending God's redemptive grace universally.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Oracle** is evident in the direct address from the LORD ("I the LORD have called thee"), establishing the authoritative and prophetic nature of the declaration. **Metaphor** is prominently used with "light of the Gentiles," where "light" symbolizes truth, salvation, and spiritual understanding, contrasting with the darkness of ignorance and sin. This metaphor is deeply rooted in biblical imagery. There is also a subtle **Anthropomorphism** in "will hold thine hand," attributing a human action to God to convey His intimate care, guidance, and support for the Servant. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism** in its final two clauses, "for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles," which juxtaposes the Servant's role for Israel with His role for the nations, highlighting the dual scope of His mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:6 is a foundational text for understanding God's expansive redemptive plan, revealing a divine commitment that transcends national boundaries. It underscores the truth that God's ultimate purpose has always been to bless all nations, not just Israel. The Servant's dual role as "covenant of the people" and "light of the Gentiles" speaks to the continuity and expansion of God's covenant promises. For Israel, the Servant represents the means by which the covenant relationship will be renewed and fulfilled, moving beyond the old Mosaic covenant to a deeper, more profound spiritual reality. For the Gentiles, the Servant is the source of spiritual illumination, bringing them out of darkness into God's marvelous light. This verse sets the stage for the universal gospel message, demonstrating that salvation is not limited by ethnicity or geography, but is freely offered to all who respond to God's call through His chosen Servant.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - The Servant as a Light to the Nations")
* [Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Jesus as a Light to the Gentiles")
* [Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Paul and Barnabas Apply Isaiah 49:6 to Gentile Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound declaration in Isaiah 42:6 invites us to marvel at the breadth and depth of God's redemptive love. It reminds us that God's plan for salvation was never limited to one people group but was always intended to encompass the entire world. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of our own calling to participate in this global mission. Just as the Servant was called, held, and kept by God, we too are assured of God's unwavering support and guidance as we seek to live out our faith. Our lives, individually and corporately as the Church, are meant to reflect the light of Christ to a world still in darkness. This involves not only sharing the good news of salvation but also embodying righteousness, justice, and compassion in our communities. Understanding the Servant's mission inspires us to embrace a missional posture, recognizing that we are recipients of this light and are now called to be its bearers, extending God's covenant love and truth to all people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's hand holding and keeping the Servant (and implicitly, us) impact your confidence in pursuing God's call on your life?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual or as part of a faith community, be a "light of the Gentiles" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the universal scope of the Servant's mission challenge any ethnocentric or exclusive views of God's salvation that you might hold?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Servant" referred to in Isaiah 42:6?**

Answer: While the identity of the "Servant" in Isaiah has been debated, with some interpretations suggesting Israel or a righteous remnant, Christian theology overwhelmingly understands the Servant, particularly in passages like Isaiah 42:6, as a prophetic foretelling of Jesus Christ. The New Testament explicitly applies these Servant prophecies to Jesus, seeing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of this divine commission to be both the covenant for Israel and the light for all nations.

**What does it mean for the Servant to be "given for a covenant of the people"?**

Answer: This phrase is highly significant. It suggests that the Servant Himself embodies or establishes the new covenant, rather than merely mediating it. In the Old Testament, covenants were often established through a sacrifice and a cutting (as implied by the Hebrew root of H1285, _bᵉrîyth'_). For the Servant to *be* the covenant means that through His life, death, and resurrection, God's promises to His people are fulfilled, and a new, unbreakable relationship is forged. This points directly to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, as described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and fulfilled in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - Jesus' Words at the Last Supper")).

**How does this verse relate to the Great Commission?**

Answer: Isaiah 42:6 provides a profound Old Testament foundation for the Great Commission found in the New Testament ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The Servant's mission to be a "light of the Gentiles" clearly anticipates the universal reach of the gospel. Just as the Servant was sent to bring light to all nations, Jesus, the fulfillment of the Servant, commands His followers to go and make disciples of "all nations," carrying forward this divine mandate to extend God's redemptive light to every corner of the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent Servant of the LORD, uniquely called "in righteousness" by God the Father from eternity ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The promise, "will hold thine hand, and will keep thee," perfectly describes God's intimate relationship and sustaining power with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, from His baptism ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Voice from Heaven at Jesus' Baptism")) to His resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Most profoundly, Jesus is "given for a covenant of the people," not merely mediating a covenant, but embodying the New Covenant itself through His sacrificial death on the cross ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrebs/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). His blood inaugurated this new and living way, establishing a relationship with God based on grace and forgiveness, fulfilling all the promises made to Israel ([Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ a Servant to the Circumcision")). Furthermore, Jesus is the definitive "light of the Gentiles," illuminating the spiritual darkness of the world. Simeon's prophecy at Jesus' dedication explicitly declared Him to be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Simeon's Prophecy")). The apostles, particularly Paul and Barnabas, understood their mission to the non-Jewish world as a direct fulfillment of this very prophecy from Isaiah ([Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Paul and Barnabas Apply Isaiah 49:6 to Gentile Ministry")). Thus, Isaiah 42:6 stands as a powerful prophetic portrait of Christ's identity, divine empowerment, and His universal redemptive mission.

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

Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Acts 13:47

For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Isaiah 49:8

Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;

John 8:12

¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.