Isaiah 43:25

KJV

I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

I, even I, am he that blotteth out {H4229} thy transgressions {H6588} for mine own sake, and will not remember {H2142} thy sins {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I, yes I, am the one who blots out your offenses for my own sake; I will not remember your sins.

Berean Standard Bible

I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.

American Standard Version

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake; and I will not remember thy sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:25 presents a profound declaration of divine grace and complete forgiveness, asserting that God alone is the one who utterly erases the transgressions of His people. This radical act of pardon is not based on human merit or performance, but rather stems entirely from God's own character, purposes, and covenant faithfulness, ensuring that the record of sin is not merely overlooked but permanently removed from His remembrance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second major section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Deutero-Isaiah." Following a period of divine judgment and exile, these chapters focus on Israel's restoration, God's sovereignty, and His redemptive plan. Specifically, Isaiah 43:25 follows a passage (verses 22-24) where God confronts Israel for their spiritual apathy, their failure to truly call upon Him, and their weariness in His service, highlighting their deep-seated sinfulness. Despite their unfaithfulness and the heavy burden of their iniquities, God pivots from accusation to an astonishing declaration of unmerited grace, setting the stage for the promise of complete and unconditional forgiveness. This divine initiative underscores the contrast between Israel's failure and God's unwavering faithfulness, preparing the way for themes of new creation and salvation found in the subsequent chapters, such as the promise of a new thing in [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - A New Thing").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 40-55 are primarily addressed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had endured the devastating consequences of their covenant unfaithfulness, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Their cultural context was one of displacement, despair, and a struggle to understand God's purposes amidst their suffering. They were surrounded by pagan cultures with gods who demanded appeasement and sacrifice to avert wrath, often without the promise of genuine relational restoration. In this setting, God's declaration in Isaiah 43:25 would have been revolutionary. It challenged the prevailing understanding of divine-human interaction by asserting that forgiveness was not something to be earned through arduous rituals or human merit (which Israel had clearly failed to provide, as seen in [Isaiah 43:23-24](/isaiah/43-23 "Isaiah 43:23-24 - Israel's Failure to Serve God")), but was a sovereign act of God's grace, initiated and completed "for mine own sake." This would have offered immense hope and a radical reorientation of their understanding of God's character and covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 43:25 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to Isaiah's message and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereign Grace**, emphasizing that forgiveness is a divine prerogative, not a human achievement. The repeated "I, even I" highlights God's sole agency in this act. Closely related is the theme of **Complete Forgiveness**, conveyed through the powerful imagery of "blotting out" and "not remembering," signifying a thorough and permanent removal of sin's record. This concept stands in stark contrast to the temporary nature of human atonement rituals. Furthermore, the phrase "for mine own sake" introduces the theme of **God's Self-Glorification and Covenant Faithfulness**. God's forgiveness is rooted in His own character, His redemptive plan for Israel, and His commitment to His covenant promises, rather than in the worthiness of the recipients. This reinforces the idea that God's actions are ultimately for His own glory and the demonstration of His righteous character, as seen throughout [Isaiah 42](/isaiah/42 "Isaiah 42 - The Servant of the Lord"). This verse also subtly touches on the theme of **Divine Remembrance and Forgetfulness**, an anthropomorphism that expresses God's deliberate choice not to hold sin against His people once it is forgiven.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blotteth out (Hebrew, _mâchâh'_):** From H4229, this primitive root literally means "to stroke or rub," but by implication, "to erase." It conveys the idea of wiping away, obliterating, or utterly removing something, much like wiping ink off a scroll or a slate. In this context, it signifies a complete and permanent removal of the record of transgressions, as if they never existed. This is not merely covering or overlooking, but a thorough eradication.
* **transgressions (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** From H6588, this word denotes "a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, trespass." It carries a stronger connotation than general "sin," specifically referring to a deliberate act of rebellion or breaking faith against an authority, especially against God. It implies a conscious crossing of a boundary, an act of defiance against the divine covenant.
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** From H2142, this root means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember." While God is omniscient and does not literally forget, this anthropomorphism signifies a divine choice not to recall or hold sins against the sinner. It implies the cessation of accountability for past offenses, a complete legal and relational pardon, as if the memory of the sin no longer serves as a basis for judgment or condemnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions":** This opening clause powerfully emphasizes God's sole agency and initiative in the act of forgiveness. The repetition of "I, even I" serves as an emphatic declaration of divine sovereignty. God asserts Himself as the exclusive source of this profound pardon, specifically targeting "transgressions" (rebellious acts), indicating a complete and decisive removal of the record of human rebellion against Him.
* **"for mine own sake":** This crucial phrase reveals the motivation behind God's forgiveness. It is not predicated on the worthiness, repentance, or merit of the recipient, but entirely on God's own character, glory, and redemptive purposes. His integrity, covenant faithfulness, and the demonstration of His boundless grace are the ultimate reasons for His action. This underscores the unconditional nature of His love and the fact that His plan of salvation is rooted in His divine will, not human performance.
* **"and will not remember thy sins":** This final clause reinforces the completeness and finality of the forgiveness. While God is omniscient, "not remembering" is a powerful anthropomorphism signifying His deliberate choice to no longer hold the sins against the individual. It implies a complete cessation of accusation, judgment, or punitive action based on past offenses. The "sins" (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403, general moral failings and their consequences) are also completely removed from His judicial consideration, ensuring a full and lasting pardon.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Repetition** in the opening phrase, "I, even I." This emphatic reiteration serves to underscore God's absolute sovereignty and exclusive agency in the act of forgiveness, leaving no doubt that this is a divine initiative, not a human achievement. Another significant device is **Anthropomorphism**, particularly in the phrase "will not remember thy sins." While God is omniscient and does not literally forget, this human-like quality is attributed to Him to convey the radical completeness and finality of His pardon. It means God chooses not to bring sins to mind for the purpose of accusation or judgment, effectively treating them as if they never occurred in terms of their legal consequence. The imagery of "blotteth out" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the erasing of sins to the physical act of wiping away a written record, vividly illustrating the total obliteration of the guilt and stain of transgression. This combination of devices creates a declaration of grace that is both authoritative and deeply comforting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:25 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating the profound truth of God's unmerited grace and the completeness of His forgiveness. It reveals that the ultimate ground for pardon lies not in human repentance or atonement, but in God's own character and sovereign will. This divine initiative, "for mine own sake," prefigures the New Covenant understanding that salvation is entirely a work of God, demonstrating His glory and faithfulness. The imagery of "blotting out" and "not remembering" underscores the radical nature of this forgiveness, signifying a complete removal of sin's record and its consequences, thereby establishing a new, unburdened relationship between God and His people. This promise of thorough cleansing and restoration is a recurring theme throughout the prophetic literature, pointing forward to its ultimate fulfillment.

* [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant Promise of Forgiveness")
* [Micah 7:19](/micah/7-19 "Micah 7:19 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")
* [Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's Mercy in the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of Isaiah 43:25 offers profound comfort and liberation for the believer. In a world where mistakes often carry lasting consequences and where guilt can weigh heavily on the soul, this verse declares that God's forgiveness is not partial or temporary, but absolute and eternal. It challenges us to embrace the depth of God's grace, recognizing that our standing before Him is not based on our flawed performance, but on His perfect character and His decision to forgive us "for His own sake." This truth should cultivate deep humility, gratitude, and confidence in our relationship with Him. It frees us from the burden of past failures, empowering us to live lives of renewed purpose and obedience, knowing that our sins are truly blotted out and remembered no more. This divine act of pardon also serves as a model for how we, as followers of Christ, are called to extend forgiveness to others, reflecting the boundless mercy we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "for mine own sake" impact your understanding of God's motivation for forgiveness, and how does it challenge any notion of earning His favor?**
* **If God "blots out" and "will not remember" your sins, how should this truth transform your self-perception and your daily walk with Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to fully accept and live in the freedom of God's complete forgiveness, rather than dwelling on past guilt?**

### FAQ
**Does God literally forget our sins when He says He "will not remember" them?**

Answer: No, God, being omniscient, does not literally forget anything. The phrase "will not remember thy sins" is an **anthropomorphism**, which means attributing human characteristics or actions to God to help us understand a divine truth. In this context, it signifies God's deliberate choice not to bring our sins to mind for the purpose of accusation, judgment, or condemnation. It means He chooses not to hold them against us, effectively treating them as if they never happened in terms of their legal and relational consequences. It's a declaration of a complete and final pardon, removing the barrier that sin creates between humanity and God, as promised in the new covenant in [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant Promise of Forgiveness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 43:25 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices could only provide a temporary covering for sins, but Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, became the definitive means by which God could truly "blot out" transgressions "for His own sake." His atoning death on the cross was the ultimate expression of God's righteous character and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. Through Christ's sacrifice, God's justice was satisfied, and His mercy was poured out, making it possible for Him to declare the sinner righteous without compromising His holiness. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, explicitly states that God "will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "God's Mercy in the New Covenant"), echoing [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - The New Covenant Promise of Forgiveness")). Thus, the divine promise of complete and eternal forgiveness, rooted in God's own character and accomplished through His sovereign initiative, is fully realized in the finished work of Jesus, who bore our sins in His own body on the tree ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bearing Our Sins")), enabling us to stand forgiven and reconciled before a holy God.

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

Hebrews 8:12

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Micah 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Hebrews 10:17

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.