Isaiah 46:4

KJV

And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].

KJV (with Strong's)

And even to your old age {H2209} I am he; and even to hoar hairs {H7872} will I carry {H5445} you: I have made {H6213}, and I will bear {H5375}; even I will carry {H5445}, and will deliver {H4422} you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Till your old age I will be the same - I will carry you until your hair is white. I have made you, and I will bear you; yes, I will carry and save you.

Berean Standard Bible

Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.

American Standard Version

and even to old age I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 46:4 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and comprehensive care for His people throughout their entire lifespan, from their creation to their advanced age. In stark contrast to the burdensome idols of Babylon, God presents Himself as the active, loving Sustainer who not only brought His people into existence but also promises to carry, bear, and ultimately deliver them through every season of life, affirming His unique sovereignty and unchanging nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 46 stands as a powerful polemic against idolatry, situated within the broader "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-55) where God declares His incomparable power and sovereignty, particularly in the context of the Babylonian exile. The preceding verses [Isaiah 46:1-2](/isaiah/46-1-2 "Isaiah 46:1-2 - The Downfall of Idols") vividly portray the downfall of Babylon's chief deities, Bel and Nebo, who are depicted as mere statues, burdens carried by exhausted beasts, destined for captivity themselves. This sets up a dramatic contrast with the true God, Yahweh, who, in [Isaiah 46:3](/isaiah/46-3 "Isaiah 46:3 - God Carries His People from Birth"), declares that He has carried His people from their very birth. Verse 4 extends this promise of divine sustenance and deliverance to the very end of life, emphasizing that unlike the false gods who are a burden to their worshippers, the living God actively bears and delivers His people, demonstrating His unparalleled power and commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile (586-539 BC). During this period, the Israelites faced immense cultural pressure, witnessing the grandeur of Babylonian polytheism and the worship of powerful deities. Public processions often featured idols being carried, symbolizing their power and the devotion of their worshippers. However, in times of defeat, these idols would be carried away as spoils of war, demonstrating their impotence and the futility of trusting in them. The concept of "old age" and "hoar hairs" (gray hair) in ancient Near Eastern culture often signified wisdom and honor, but also increasing vulnerability and reliance on family or community. God's promise to carry His people even into this stage directly addresses their deepest fears of abandonment or weakness in a foreign land, asserting His eternal commitment and sufficiency.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is **God's Incomparable Sovereignty**, as His ability to create, sustain, and deliver His people contrasts sharply with the impotence of idols, a theme prevalent throughout [Isaiah 40-48](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40-48 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Idols"). It also highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty**, assuring Israel that despite their unfaithfulness, God remains true to His promises, carrying them through all generations, as seen in His historical acts of deliverance (e.g., [Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - God Carried Israel on Eagle's Wings")). The theme of **Divine Providence and Sustaining Power** is central, emphasizing that God is not merely a distant creator but an active, intimate caregiver who bears the burdens of His people and brings them to ultimate salvation. This comprehensive care extends from the moment of their formation, as God declares in [Isaiah 44:2](/isaiah/44-2 "Isaiah 44:2 - God Formed Israel from the Womb"), to the very end of their days.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **old age (Hebrew, _ziqnâh'_):** This feminine noun (H2209), derived from the root for "old man," specifically refers to the period of advanced years, characterized by physical decline and increased dependence. Its inclusion here underscores the comprehensive nature of God's care, extending to the most vulnerable stages of human life, assuring His people that His commitment does not wane with their physical strength.
* **carry (Hebrew, _çâbal'_):** This verb (H5445) signifies "to carry a burden," implying a heavy load or arduous task. It can also mean "to be gravid" or "strong to labor." When applied to God, it highlights His active and powerful support, indicating that He takes on the burdens of His people, bearing their weight and responsibilities rather than being a burden to them. This contrasts sharply with the idols who are themselves a burden to their worshippers.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** A primitive root (H4422) meaning "to be smooth," which implies escaping as if by slipperiness. Causatively, it means "to release or rescue." This word promises ultimate salvation and protection, not just from immediate dangers but from all adversaries and the finality of death, signifying a complete and decisive act of rescue that God performs on behalf of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And even to your old age I am he;":** This clause emphasizes God's unchanging nature and eternal presence. The declaration "I am he" (Hebrew: _Ani Hu_) is a powerful statement of divine identity and self-existence, echoing God's revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Self-Revelation as 'I AM'"). It assures His people that His character and commitment remain constant, regardless of their age or circumstances, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.
* **"and even to hoar hairs will I carry you:":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the promise of enduring care. "Hoar hairs" (gray hair) is a poetic synonym for extreme old age, signifying the very end of life's journey. The repetition of the promise to "carry" (H5445, _çâbal_) underscores God's active, personal, and continuous involvement in sustaining His people through every stage of life, even when they are most vulnerable and seemingly unproductive.
* **"I have made, and I will bear;":** This clause grounds God's commitment in His role as Creator. Because He "made" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) His people, He takes responsibility for their ongoing existence and well-being. The promise "I will bear" (H5375, _nâsâʼ_) signifies lifting up, supporting, and enduring with them, demonstrating His providential care from their very beginning. This is a divine pledge rooted in His creative act.
* **"even I will carry, and will deliver you.":** This final emphatic statement reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's care. The repeated "I will carry" (H5445, _çâbal_) stresses His active burden-bearing, a compassionate act of support. The concluding "and will deliver you" (H4422, _mâlaṭ_) provides the ultimate assurance of salvation and rescue from all forms of distress, both physical and spiritual. It speaks to His ultimate triumph on behalf of His people, bringing them safely to their destination.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 46:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with profound impact. **Parallelism** is a dominant feature, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where "to your old age" is precisely paralleled by "to hoar hairs," and the repeated promise "I will carry" is reinforced by "I will bear." This repetition emphasizes the enduring and comprehensive nature of God's commitment across the entire lifespan. The phrase "I am he" functions as a powerful declaration of **Divine Self-Identification** and **Assertion of Sovereignty**, linking back to earlier declarations in Isaiah and establishing God's unique, unchanging identity as the only true God. The vivid imagery of God "carrying" His people is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions to God to make His care relatable and tangible, highlighting His intimate involvement. Finally, the entire verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses that describe idols being carried as burdensome, lifeless objects, thereby highlighting the fundamental difference between the living God who sustains His people and the impotent gods who are themselves burdens to their worshippers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 46:4 beautifully encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's unchanging nature and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It reveals a God who is not merely a distant creator but an intimately involved Sustainer, whose commitment to His people extends from their inception to their very end. This divine constancy provides immense comfort, assuring believers that their security rests not on their strength or fleeting circumstances, but on the eternal character and power of the One who "has made" them and promises to "carry" and "deliver" them. This passage stands as a timeless testament to God's comprehensive providence, inviting His people to trust Him fully in every season of life, knowing that His past acts of creation guarantee His future acts of preservation and salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:11](/deuteronomy/32-11 "God Carries Israel on Eagle's Wings")
* [Psalm 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Prayer for God's Sustaining Power in Old Age")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 46:4 offers profound solace and a firm foundation for trust in a world prone to change and uncertainty. It reminds us that God's commitment to us is not conditional on our youth, strength, or productivity, but flows from His unchanging nature as our Creator and Sustainer. For those in their "old age" or facing the vulnerabilities of declining health, this verse is a beacon of hope, assuring them that God's care intensifies precisely when human strength wanes. It challenges the cultural narrative that values productivity above all else, affirming the inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life, simply because they are God's creation. For all believers, it is an invitation to release our burdens and anxieties into His capable hands, knowing that the One who made us is fully capable of carrying us through every trial, every season, and ultimately delivering us. It calls us to a life of dependence, not self-sufficiency, finding our security and peace in His unwavering presence and power, and to extend similar compassion and care to those who are vulnerable around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most burdened or in need of being "carried" by God?**
* **How does the promise of God's enduring care "even to hoar hairs" impact your perspective on aging or the future?**
* **How does God's role as both "Maker" and "Carrier" inform your understanding of His providence in your life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or other false securities rather than God's promise to carry and deliver you?**

### FAQ
**Does this promise of God's carrying apply only to the elderly?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly mentions "old age" and "hoar hairs," the broader context of Isaiah 46:3-4 indicates God's continuous care from birth ("carried from the womb") through all stages of life. The emphasis on old age highlights the comprehensive nature of His commitment, assuring His people that His faithfulness extends even to the most vulnerable and dependent stages. Therefore, the principle of God's sustaining and burden-bearing presence applies to believers of all ages, as He promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence").

**What does it mean that God will "deliver" us? Is it only physical deliverance?**

Answer: The term "deliver" (Hebrew: _mâlaṭ_) encompasses a broad range of rescue. While it can certainly include physical protection and salvation from immediate dangers, in the theological context of Isaiah, it also points to spiritual deliverance from sin, death, and exile. Ultimately, it refers to God's complete and final salvation of His people, securing their eternal well-being and bringing them into His presence, as seen in the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the Domain of Darkness"). This deliverance is comprehensive, addressing both temporal struggles and eternal destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 46:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration "I am he" resonates deeply with Jesus' own "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, where He identifies Himself as the very God of Israel who sustains and delivers [John 8:58](/john/8-58 "Jesus' Divine Claim"). Jesus, the incarnate God, literally "carried" humanity's burdens, not just in a figurative sense, but by taking on our flesh, our weaknesses, and ultimately, our sins. He is the Good Shepherd who "lays down His life for the sheep" [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus the Good Shepherd"), bearing the weight of our transgressions on the cross [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Christ Bearing Our Sorrows"). Through His atoning sacrifice, He delivers us from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of the grave [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus' Victory Over Death"). Just as God promised to carry His people to "hoar hairs," Christ promises to sustain His followers throughout their entire lives, guaranteeing that "no one will snatch them out of My hand" [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "No One Can Snatch Them"). He is the one who bears our infirmities and carries our sorrows, offering rest to the weary and burdened [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary"). Thus, the ancient promise of Isaiah 46:4 is not merely a historical comfort but a living reality found in the continuous, loving, and powerful work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ the Same Forever").

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

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Psalms 48:14

For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Psalms 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psalms 102:26

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

Psalms 102:27

But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.