Isaiah 46:3

KJV

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne [by me] from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} unto me, O house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, and all the remnant {H7611} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, which are borne {H6006} by me from the belly {H990}, which are carried {H5375} from the womb {H7356}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen to me, house of Ya'akov, all who remain of the house of Isra'el: I have borne you from birth, carried you since the womb.

Berean Standard Bible

“Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth.

American Standard Version

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borneby mefrom their birth, that have been carried from the womb;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:3 presents a profound declaration of Yahweh's unparalleled and unwavering care for His chosen people, Israel. In stark contrast to the impotent idols of Babylon, which are burdens to their worshippers and must be carried, God proclaims Himself as the one who has actively borne and carried His people from their very inception, from the "belly" and "womb" of their national existence. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's intimate, lifelong, and sovereign providence, assuring His people that He is not merely a distant deity but an ever-present, sustaining Father who actively upholds them through every stage of their journey, demonstrating His unique power and steadfast love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-55), a section where God passionately asserts His incomparable sovereignty, unique ability to predict and accomplish future events, and His steadfast love for Israel, particularly concerning their impending or ongoing deliverance from Babylonian captivity. Immediately preceding this verse, [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols") vividly portrays the downfall of Babylon's chief deities, Bel and Nebo, depicted as being carried away on beasts, burdens to their weary worshippers. This sets up a dramatic and intentional contrast: while the pagan gods are inert, lifeless, and require human effort to be moved, the God of Israel is the one who actively carries and sustains His people. The imperative call to "Hearken unto me" in [Isaiah 46:3](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3 - God Carries Israel") is therefore an urgent invitation to consider this fundamental difference and to trust in the living God rather than lifeless idols, a theme powerfully reiterated throughout this section of Isaiah, emphasizing God's unique identity as the only true God who declares the end from the beginning, as seen in [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Isaiah 46 is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile (586-539 BC). The Israelites, uprooted from their homeland and temple, were surrounded by the dominant polytheistic culture of Babylon, where idol worship was pervasive and deeply ingrained. The grandeur of Babylonian temples and the apparent power of their gods (like Marduk, represented by Bel and Nebo) posed a significant temptation for the exiled Israelites to doubt Yahweh's power or to assimilate into pagan practices. In this context, God's declaration in [Isaiah 46:3](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3 - God Carries Israel") served as a crucial message of reassurance and a call to faithfulness. It reminded them of His unique historical relationship with them from their very beginnings as a nation, a relationship far deeper and more enduring than any human-made religious system. This divine remembrance of their origins echoes the foundational promises made to Abraham and Jacob, establishing God's covenant loyalty even in exile, demonstrating His steadfast love and faithfulness to His chosen people, as profoundly articulated in [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel Chosen by God's Love").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's message and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sustaining Care**, portraying God as the perpetual burden-bearer for His people, actively involved in their lives from conception (both national and individual) onward. Secondly, it highlights **God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty**, presenting a stark contrast between the true God, who carries His people, and the idols, who are themselves carried, thus demonstrating His absolute independence and power over all creation and false deities. This theme is foundational to Isaiah's polemic against idolatry in chapters 40-48, as God repeatedly challenges the idols to prove their power, such as in [Isaiah 41:21-24](/isaiah/41-21-24 "Isaiah 41:21-24 - God Challenges Idols"). Thirdly, it reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, reminding Israel of God's unwavering commitment to the covenant He established with them, emphasizing that His care is not new but has been continuous since their very inception as a nation, a theme consistently found throughout the Pentateuch, for example, in the wilderness wanderings where God carried them, as seen in [Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - God Carried Israel on Eagle's Wings"). Finally, the tender imagery of being "borne from the belly" and "carried from the womb" evokes an **Intimate Relationship**, akin to that of a loving parent, signifying a deeply personal, foundational, and continuous bond between God and His people, demonstrating His tender and personal involvement in their lives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From the primitive root H8085, this word signifies to hear intelligently, often with the implication of attention, obedience, or consent. It is not merely passive hearing but an active listening that leads to understanding and response. In this context, God's command to "hearken" is an urgent call for Israel to pay close attention to His words, to discern His truth amidst the clamor of idolatry, and to respond with trust and obedience, recognizing His unique identity and incomparable power.
* **borne (Hebrew, _ʻâmaç'_):** From the primitive root H6006, this word means "to load" or "to impose a burden," but in its passive form here, it refers to being carried or having a burden placed upon one. It emphasizes that Israel is the recipient of God's action; they are the ones being carried. It conveys the idea of God actively shouldering the responsibility and weight of His people, providing support and relief from their burdens, rather than being a burden Himself.
* **womb (Hebrew, _racham'_):** From the root H7356, this word primarily refers to the womb, the place where life is cherished and nurtured. Derived from a root meaning "compassion," it also carries connotations of tender love, mercy, and deep affection ("bowels of compassion"). Its use here emphasizes the profound intimacy and tender care God has for Israel, likening His relationship to that of a mother for her child, a care that predates birth and continues throughout life, rooted in deep, unwavering affection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob,"**: This is a direct, imperative address from God, calling for the undivided attention of His covenant people. "House of Jacob" refers to the descendants of Jacob, emphasizing their lineage and the foundational covenant relationship God has with them. It is an urgent invitation to listen to divine truth and counsel, especially in light of the surrounding idolatry.
* **"and all the remnant of the house of Israel,"**: This phrase further specifies the audience, highlighting not just the entire nation but particularly the "remnant"—those who have survived judgment, those who are faithful, or those who will be preserved through the exile. It underscores God's commitment to His chosen line, ensuring the continuity of His people and the fulfillment of His promises, even in times of dispersion and apparent decline.
* **"which are borne [by me] from the belly,"**: This powerful imagery describes God's continuous, active support for Israel from their earliest beginnings. "From the belly" metaphorically refers to the very inception of their national identity, from their formation as a people in Abraham and Jacob, implying a care that precedes and encompasses their entire history, much like a child is carried in the womb. The parenthetical "[by me]" in the KJV clarifies the active agent of this carrying.
* **"which are carried from the womb:"**: This phrase serves as a poetic parallel to the preceding one, reinforcing the idea of God's intimate and lifelong sustenance. "From the womb" emphasizes the tender, foundational, and continuous nature of God's care, likening it to the most intimate and protective relationship known to humanity—that of a parent nurturing a child from its earliest moments. It signifies a relationship of profound, unwavering, and constant support, highlighting God's deep compassion and personal involvement.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Apostrophe** is prominently used as God directly addresses "O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel," creating a personal and urgent appeal to His people, demanding their attention. The central and most striking device is **Metaphorical Imagery**, specifically the vivid picture of God "borne [by me] from the belly" and "carried from the womb." This imagery draws on the tender, intimate, and foundational relationship between a parent and child, extending it to describe God's continuous, lifelong, and deeply personal care for the nation of Israel from its very inception. This also functions as a powerful **Contrast** with the preceding verses ([Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols")), where the idols of Babylon are depicted as inert burdens carried by their worshippers. Here, God reverses the dynamic, portraying Himself as the one who carries, sustains, and bears the burdens of His people, highlighting His unique power. Finally, the verse utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism** in the phrases "borne [by me] from the belly" and "carried from the womb," reinforcing the central idea of God's continuous and intimate sustenance through two distinct but complementary images, adding emphasis and poetic depth to the divine declaration and underscoring the unwavering nature of His care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:3 articulates a profound theological truth about the nature of God as the ultimate Sustainer and Burden-Bearer. Unlike the gods of the nations, who are lifeless and require human effort to be moved, Yahweh is the living God who actively upholds His creation and His people. This verse reveals God's intimate involvement in the lives of His elect, demonstrating that His care is not a recent development but has been constant from the very beginning of their existence as a nation. It underscores His covenant faithfulness, reminding Israel that His promises and His steadfast love endure through all generations and circumstances, even through the crucible of exile. This divine carrying is an expression of His deep compassion and unwavering commitment, assuring His people that they are never a burden to Him, but rather the objects of His tender, parental care, a truth that grounds their hope and calls them to trust.

* [Deuteronomy 32:11](/deuteronomy/32-11 "God Carries Israel on Eagle's Wings")
* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalm/139-13-16 "God's Intimate Creation and Knowledge")
* [Psalm 68:19](/psalm/68-19 "God Daily Bears Our Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 46:3 offers profound comfort and a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world that often feels heavy with burdens, uncertainties, and the pressure to carry our own weight, this verse reminds us that we serve a God who delights in carrying us. Just as He sustained Israel from its national infancy through every trial, so too does He promise to uphold us from the moment of our spiritual birth and throughout our entire lives. This truth invites us to release our anxieties and fears, recognizing that our God is not a distant, passive observer but an intimately involved, tender Father who knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. When we feel overwhelmed, weak, or lost, we are called to "hearken" to His voice, to remember His unfailing providence, and to cast our burdens upon Him, knowing that He has always been and always will be our faithful, compassionate Carrier. This divine promise fosters deep trust and encourages a posture of dependence, freeing us from the futile attempt to bear what only God can carry and empowering us to walk in His strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God "carrying" you through difficult seasons of your life, even when you weren't fully aware of it?**
* **How does the imagery of God carrying you "from the belly" and "from the womb" deepen your understanding of His intimate, foundational, and lifelong care for you personally?**
* **What specific burdens or anxieties are you currently trying to carry on your own that you need to surrender to God, trusting in His promise to uphold you?**
* **How can remembering God's incomparable nature (as the one who carries, not the one carried) strengthen your faith in the face of life's challenges or temptations to rely on other things or false securities?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrases "borne from the belly" and "carried from the womb"?**

Answer: These phrases are powerful metaphors that emphasize the unparalleled intimacy and continuous nature of God's care for His people. They do not merely refer to physical birth but symbolically represent the entire duration of Israel's national existence, from its earliest formation as a people (through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) to the present moment and into the future. It signifies that God's relationship with Israel is not an afterthought or a temporary alliance, but a foundational, lifelong commitment, akin to the tender, protective care a parent provides for a child from its very conception. This imagery underscores God's deep affection, unwavering commitment, and active involvement in every stage of His people's journey, setting Him apart from the lifeless idols that require their worshippers to carry them, as described in [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols"). It highlights that God's care is not conditional on Israel's performance but flows from His inherent nature and covenant love.

**How does Isaiah 46:3 contrast with the surrounding context in Isaiah 46?**

Answer: Isaiah 46:3 serves as a dramatic and intentional contrast to the preceding verses ([Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Burden of Idols")). In those verses, the prophet describes the Babylonian idols Bel and Nebo being carried as heavy burdens by weary beasts and their worshippers, unable to save themselves or their devotees from captivity. These false gods are depicted as helpless objects that are themselves carried into exile. In stark opposition, [Isaiah 46:3](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3 - God Carries Israel") presents Yahweh as the one who *carries* His people. This highlights God's unique power, sovereignty, and living nature versus the impotence and lifelessness of idols. While false gods are a burden to those who serve them, the true God is the benevolent burden-bearer for His beloved people, demonstrating His active care and ability to deliver, a theme central to the "Book of Comfort" in Isaiah and God's redemptive plan for His people, as seen in [Isaiah 40:28-31](/isaiah/40-28-31 "Isaiah 40:28-31 - God Renews Strength").

**Is this promise only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While primarily addressed to the "house of Jacob" and "remnant of Israel" in their historical context, the theological principles embedded in Isaiah 46:3 extend profoundly to believers today. The New Testament teaches that those who are in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, are spiritual descendants of Abraham and part of the "Israel of God" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"); [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). Therefore, the same God who faithfully carried ancient Israel continues to carry and sustain His people, the Church, through all generations. This verse assures us that God is intimately involved in our lives from our spiritual birth (regeneration) onward, providing continuous care, strength, and guidance. It is an enduring promise of divine providence and unwavering love for all who trust in Him, encouraging us to cast all our anxieties on Him because [He cares for us](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him"), and to rely on His strength rather than our own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:3, with its tender imagery of God bearing and carrying His people from their very inception, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's promise of divine sustenance, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, culminates in the Incarnation, where God Himself literally "bore" humanity into His divine person. Jesus, as [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"), embodies the very essence of God's promise to carry His people. He is the one who took on our flesh, bore our sins on the cross ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), and continues to carry our burdens, weaknesses, and anxieties as our great High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate burden-bearer, not only sustaining us but also redeeming us from the weight of sin and death, offering us true rest ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The intimate, lifelong care promised in [Isaiah 46:3](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3 - God Carries Israel") is perfectly realized in the believer's union with Christ, where He promises to never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God Will Never Leave You")), continually upholding us by His grace and power, from the moment of our spiritual birth to our eternal glorification. He is the Good Shepherd who gently leads and carries His lambs in His arms ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "The Good Shepherd")), demonstrating God's compassionate love in its fullest, most personal, and redemptive measure.

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

Deuteronomy 1:31

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Psalms 71:6

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise [shall be] continually of thee.

Psalms 22:9

But thou [art] he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope [when I was] upon my mother's breasts.

Psalms 22:10

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from my mother's belly.

Isaiah 10:22

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

Isaiah 51:1

¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.