Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

But now thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} that created {H1254} thee, O Jacob {H3290}, and he that formed {H3335} thee, O Israel {H3478}, Fear {H3372} not: for I have redeemed {H1350} thee, I have called {H7121} thee by thy name {H8034}; thou art mine.

But now this is what ADONAI says, he who created you, Ya'akov, he who formed you, Isra'el: "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I am calling you by your name; you are mine.

Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.

Commentary

Isaiah 43:1 is a foundational verse of comfort and assurance, delivered by the prophet Isaiah to the nation of Israel. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering love, sovereignty, and commitment to His people, even in the midst of their trials.

Context

This verse opens a pivotal section in the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as the "Book of Consolation." Following prophecies of judgment and the impending Babylonian exile, God now speaks words of hope and restoration. The audience, "Jacob" and "Israel," represents the entire nation, facing or experiencing a period of profound distress and spiritual wandering. God's message here is a direct counter to their fear and despair, reminding them of His unique relationship with them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authorship and Sovereignty: God identifies Himself as the one who "created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel." This emphasizes His ultimate authority and power, reminding His people that their very existence is by His design and purpose. He is not a distant deity but an an active participant in their history and individual lives.
  • Assurance Against Fear: The emphatic command, "Fear not," is a recurring theme in Scripture, particularly when God's people face overwhelming circumstances. Here, it is grounded in God's character and actions, providing a bedrock of security against anxiety and uncertainty. Similar reassurances are found throughout Isaiah.
  • Redemption and Deliverance: "For I have redeemed thee" points to God's past and future acts of deliverance. This concept of redemption (Hebrew: ga'al) implies buying back or setting free from bondage, often at a great cost. For Israel, it recalled their liberation from Egypt and foreshadowed their return from Babylonian captivity. For believers today, it points to the ultimate redemption through Christ.
  • Personal Calling and Ownership: "I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." This speaks to an intimate, personal relationship. To call someone by name signifies deep knowledge, personal selection, and a unique bond. It highlights God's individual care and His covenant relationship, declaring that His people belong exclusively to Him, offering a profound sense of identity and security. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, also calls His sheep by name.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "created" (bara) and "formed" (yatsar) in this verse are significant. Bara often refers to divine creation from nothing, emphasizing God's unique power. Yatsar is akin to a potter shaping clay, highlighting God's deliberate, skillful design and intimate involvement in Israel's formation as a nation and individual lives. The term "redeemed" (ga'al) is a rich concept, often used for a kinsman-redeemer who would pay a price to restore a family member's freedom or property, signifying a deep, committed act of deliverance.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Isaiah 43:1 offers profound comfort and a clear affirmation of identity. In a world full of anxieties and uncertainties, this verse reminds us that God, our Creator and Redeemer, knows us intimately, calls us by name, and declares us His own. It encourages us to release fear, trust in His redemptive power, and find our ultimate security and purpose in belonging to Him. This divine declaration reminds us that our value and identity are not found in our circumstances or achievements, but in God's personal and steadfast love.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 100:3 (46 votes)

    Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

  • Zechariah 13:9 (44 votes)

    And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

  • Isaiah 43:7 (43 votes)

    [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

  • Isaiah 54:4 (34 votes)

    Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

  • Isaiah 54:5 (34 votes)

    For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

  • Titus 2:14 (29 votes)

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Revelation 5:9 (26 votes)

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;