Isaiah 49:25

Translation
King James Version
But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
But thus saith H559 the LORD H3068, Even the captives H7628 of the mighty H1368 shall be taken away H3947, and the prey H4455 of the terrible H6184 shall be delivered H4422: for I will contend H7378 with him that contendeth H3401 with thee, and I will save H3467 thy children H1121.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
Here is ADONAI's answer: "Even a warrior's captives will be snatched away, and the booty of the fearful will be freed. I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.
Ask
American Standard Version
But thus saith Jehovah, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
But thus says the LORD, “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the plunder of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
But thus sayeth the Lord, euen the captiuitie of the mightie shall be taken away: and the pray of the tyrant shall be deliuered: for I wil contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will saue thy children,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
For thus said Jehovah: Even the captive of the mighty is taken, And the prey of the terrible is delivered, And with thy striver I strive, and thy sons I save.
Ask
See also
Isaiah 54:15Isaiah 54:17Isaiah 35:4Isaiah 41:11Isaiah 41:12Isaiah 54:13Jeremiah 50:33
In the KJVVerse 18,662 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Isaiah 49:25 stands as a powerful divine assurance, declaring God's unwavering commitment to liberate His people from even the most formidable oppressors. In response to Zion's lament concerning her lost and scattered children, the Lord emphatically promises not only to reclaim those held captive by the strong and terrible but also to personally engage in battle against their adversaries, ensuring the salvation and restoration of His covenant offspring. This verse underscores God's supreme power, His active defense of His elect, and His ultimate faithfulness to His promises of redemption and restoration.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-55), a section largely focused on God's promises of restoration and comfort to Israel after the Babylonian exile. Chapter 49 specifically introduces the second Servant Song, which portrays the Servant of the Lord as a light to the nations and an instrument of Israel's restoration. The preceding verses (Isaiah 49:14-24) depict Zion's deep despair, feeling forsaken by God and lamenting her barrenness and the loss of her children to captivity. She questions God's ability or willingness to gather them. Isaiah 49:25 directly answers this lament, serving as a powerful divine rebuttal to Zion's doubts, assuring her that her children will indeed return and her oppressors will be defeated. It flows directly into the imagery of the nations bringing Zion's children back in Isaiah 49:22-23, reinforcing the certainty of God's redemptive plan.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The primary historical backdrop for Isaiah 49 is the Babylonian exile, a period when the Judean people were forcibly removed from their homeland and subjected to foreign rule. This experience led to profound despair and a sense of abandonment among the exiles. The "mighty" and "terrible" in this verse refer to the powerful empires, like Babylon, that had conquered and oppressed Israel. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a nation's god fighting on its behalf was common, but Isaiah elevates this to Yahweh, the one true God, who is uniquely capable of overthrowing even the most dominant human empires. The idea of "captives" and "prey" reflects the grim reality of ancient warfare, where conquered populations were often enslaved or plundered. God's promise to "contend" (Hebrew: rîyb) evokes the legal and military practices of the time, where a powerful advocate would take up the cause of the wronged against their oppressor.
  • Key Themes: Isaiah 49:25 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of Divine Deliverance and Restoration, emphasizing God's sovereign power to liberate His people from seemingly insurmountable bondage, as seen in the promise that "the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered." This directly counters the despair of exile and foreshadows a future return. It also highlights God's role as a Divine Warrior and Defender, where He actively "contend[s] with him that contendeth with thee," signifying His direct intervention on behalf of His covenant people, a concept echoed in passages like Exodus 14:14. Furthermore, the verse underscores God's Covenant Faithfulness to His promises, particularly concerning the preservation and gathering of "thy children," assuring Zion that her offspring will be saved and restored, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham and his descendants. This promise of restoration extends beyond mere physical return, encompassing spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of God's people as a flourishing community.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H1961): (הָיָה); (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute authority and unchanging character of the speaker, lending ultimate weight and certainty to the declaration of deliverance. It is the God of the covenant, who has bound Himself to Israel, who speaks this promise.
  • mighty (Hebrew, gibbôwr', H1396): (גֶּבֶר); powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant. It denotes great strength, often in a military or oppressive sense. Here, it refers to the human empires or forces that have held God's people captive, highlighting their perceived invincibility from a human perspective. The verse's power lies in God's declaration that even these gibbôwr will be overcome.
  • save (Hebrew, yâshaʻ', H3467): A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor. This word encompasses deliverance, rescue, and the bringing of salvation. When God says "I will save thy children," it is a comprehensive promise of liberation from all forms of danger and oppression, leading to a state of safety and flourishing.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But thus saith the LORD": This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the declaration that follows. It signals a direct oracle from Yahweh, the covenant God, emphasizing that these are not mere human hopes but infallible divine decrees.
  • "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered": This clause directly addresses Zion's despair regarding her lost children. It uses strong imagery of "captives" (those taken in war) and "prey" (that which is seized by predators) to describe Israel's subjugation. The "mighty" and "terrible" represent the formidable, oppressive powers that hold them. The double promise—"taken away" (from the captors) and "delivered" (rescued)—underscores the completeness of God's liberation, asserting His power to reclaim what was thought to be irrevocably lost.
  • "for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee": This reveals the reason and method of God's intervention. The Hebrew word for "contend" (rîyb) implies engaging in a legal dispute or a physical battle. God declares Himself Israel's advocate and warrior, promising to actively engage and fight against those who oppose and oppress His people. This is a personal and direct intervention, not merely a passive observation.
  • "and I will save thy children": This climactic promise directly responds to Zion's lament about her lost offspring (Isaiah 49:21). It assures the ultimate restoration and preservation of the covenant community, signifying not only their physical return from exile but also their spiritual redemption and flourishing under God's protective hand. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning the multiplication and welfare of His people.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 49:25 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its message of divine assurance. Parallelism is evident in the first part of the verse: "the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the idea of complete liberation, using two different but related phrases to express the same core promise. The use of Antithesis is also prominent, contrasting the overwhelming power of the "mighty" and "terrible" human oppressors with the even greater, decisive power of the LORD. The imagery of "captives" and "prey" functions as Metaphor, vividly portraying Israel's vulnerable and subjugated state, while God's promise to "contend" acts as Personification, presenting God as an active warrior or legal advocate fighting on behalf of His people. The entire verse serves as a powerful Divine Oracle, directly spoken by the LORD, which lends it ultimate authority and certainty, designed to instill profound hope and unwavering faith in the face of despair.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Isaiah 49:25 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, His active involvement in human history, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores the truth that no human power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart God's redemptive purposes. This verse portrays God as the ultimate deliverer, who not only has the power to rescue but also the righteous zeal to contend on behalf of the oppressed. It speaks to the divine attribute of hesed (covenant loyalty and steadfast love), demonstrating that even when His people feel abandoned, God's faithfulness endures, ensuring their restoration and the defeat of their adversaries. This promise extends beyond physical return from exile to a spiritual reality of liberation from all forms of bondage, ultimately pointing to God's final victory over evil.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Isaiah 49:25 offers immense spiritual nourishment and practical application for believers today. In a world often marked by overwhelming challenges, systemic injustices, or personal struggles that feel insurmountable, this verse provides a powerful anchor of hope and trust in God's omnipotence and active intervention. It reminds us that no situation is too dire, no oppressor too strong, and no captivity too secure for the Lord to overcome. When we feel like "captives" or "prey" to circumstances, spiritual forces, or even our own weaknesses, this promise assures us that God is not merely a distant observer but a zealous defender who personally engages in our battles. It calls us to relinquish our despair and place our full confidence in His ability to deliver, knowing that His commitment to "save thy children" extends to all who are His by faith, promising not just rescue but restoration and flourishing. This truth empowers us to stand firm, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, who contends for us.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "mighty" or "terrible" forces in your life or in the world today feel like they hold you or others captive?
  • How does the promise that God will "contend with him that contendeth with thee" change your perspective on facing opposition?
  • In what ways do you need to trust God to "save your children"—whether literal offspring, spiritual descendants, or future generations of faith?

FAQ

Who are the "mighty" and "terrible" mentioned in this verse, and how does God's promise apply to them?

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Isaiah 49:25, the "mighty" (Hebrew: gibbôwr, powerful warriors/tyrants) and "terrible" (Hebrew: ʻârîyts, fearful, oppressive, violent ones) primarily refer to the dominant empires and nations, specifically Babylon, that had conquered and exiled the people of Judah. These were the human instruments of Israel's captivity and suffering. God's promise applies to them as a declaration of their ultimate defeat and reversal of their oppressive actions. He asserts His supreme power over all earthly authorities, no matter how strong or fearsome they appear. The verse declares that even those whom these powerful entities hold captive will be liberated, and the spoils they have taken will be reclaimed. Theologically, this extends to any force—spiritual, political, or personal—that seeks to oppress or hold God's people in bondage, assuring that God will contend against them and secure the deliverance of His own. This echoes themes of divine justice and retribution found throughout the prophetic books, where God ultimately judges those who oppress His chosen ones, as seen in Isaiah 14:4-6.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Isaiah 49:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially promising Israel's liberation from physical exile and earthly oppressors, the verse's deeper spiritual truth points to Christ as the ultimate Deliverer. Humanity, held captive by the "mighty" power of sin and the "terrible" dominion of death and the devil, finds its freedom in Him. Jesus, the true Servant of the Lord, came to "proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound" (Isaiah 61:1, quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18). He is the one who contended with the ultimate adversary, Satan, overcoming him through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Through His sacrifice, Christ has taken away the "prey" from the "terrible" one, redeeming those who were enslaved to sin and bringing them into His glorious freedom (Romans 6:17-18). Furthermore, the promise "I will save thy children" finds its fullest expression in the gathering of all believers into God's family through Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that none of His "children" are lost (John 10:28-29). Thus, Isaiah 49:25 is not merely a historical promise but a prophetic declaration of Christ's decisive victory over all spiritual enemies and His ongoing work of salvation, securing the eternal deliverance and preservation of His redeemed people.

Copy as

Commentary on Isaiah 49 verses 24–26

Here is, I. An objection started against the promise of the Jews' release out of their captivity in Babylon, suggesting that it was a thing not to be expected; for (Isa 49:24) they were a prey in the hand of the mighty, of such as were then the greatest potentates on earth, and therefore it was not likely they should be rescued by force. Yet that was not all: they were lawful captives; by the law of God, having offended, they were justly delivered into captivity; and by the law of nations, being taken in war, they were justly detained in captivity till they should be ransomed or exchanged. Now this is spoken either, 1. By the enemies, as justifying themselves in their refusal to let them go. They plead both might and right. Proud men think all their own that they can lay their hands on and their title good if they have but the longest sword. Or, 2. By their friends, either in a way of distrust, despairing of the deliverance ("for who is able to deal with those that detain us, either by force of arms or a treaty of peace?"), or in a way of thankfulness, admiring the deliverance. "Who would have thought that ever the prey should be taken from the mighty? Yet it is done." This is applicable to our redemption by Christ. As to Satan, we were a prey in the hand of the mighty, and yet delivered even from him that had the power of death, by him that had the power of life. As to the justice of God, we were lawful captives, and yet delivered by a price of inestimable value.

II. This objection answered by an express promise, and a further promise; for God's promises being all yea, and amen, they may well serve to corroborate one another. 1. Here is an express promise with a non-obstante - notwithstanding to the strength of the enemy (Isa 49:25): "Even the captives of the mighty, though they are mighty, shall be taken away, and it is to no purpose for them to oppose it; and the prey of the terrible, though they are terrible, shall be delivered; and, as they cannot with all their strength outforce, so they cannot with all their impudence outface, the deliverance, and the counsels of God concerning it." The Lord saith thus, who, having all power and all hearts in his hands is able to make his words good. 2. Here is a further promise, showing how, and in what way, God will bring about the deliverance. He will bring judgments upon the oppressors, and so will work salvation for the oppressed: "I will contend with him that contends with thee, will plead thy cause against those that justify themselves in oppressing thee; whoever it be, though but a single person, that contends with thee, he shall know that it is at his peril, and thus I will save thy children." The captives shall be delivered by leading captivity captive, that is, sending those into captivity that had held God's people captive, Rev 13:10. Nay, they shall have blood for blood (Isa 49:26): "I will feed those that oppress thee with their own flesh, and they shall be drunken with their own blood. The proud Babylonians shall become not only an easy, but an acceptable, prey to one another. God will send a dividing spirit among them, and their ruin, which was begun by a foreign invasion, shall be completed by their intestine divisions. They shall bite and devour one another, till they are consumed one of another. They shall greedily and with delight prey upon those that are their own flesh and blood." God can make the oppressors of his church to be their own tormentors and their own destroyers. The New Testament Babylon, having made herself drunk with the blood of the saints, shall have blood given her to drink, for she is worthy. See how cruel men sometimes are to themselves and to one another: indeed those who are so to others are so to themselves, for God's justice and men's revenge will mete to them what they have measured to others. They not only thirst after blood, but drink it so greedily that they are drunken with it, and with as much pleasure as if it were sweet wine. If God had not more mercy on sinners than they would have one upon another were their passions let loose, the world would be soon an Aceldama, nay, a desolation.

III. See what will be the effect of Babylon's ruin: All flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour. God will make it to appear, to the conviction of all the world, that, though Israel seem lost and cast off, they have a Redeemer, and, though they are made a prey to the mighty, Jacob has a mighty One, who is able to deal with all his enemies. God intends, by the deliverances of his church, both to notify and to magnify his own name.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–26. Public domain.
Copy as
JeromeAD 420
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 13:25
For it is not the spirit (which is incorporeal) but the flesh that is eaten, suffering the bites of savage beasts. And then let Zion learn that it is indeed all flesh that will see the salvation of God, that its Redeemer and Savior is he who wrestled with Jacob or was the helper to Jacob’s strength as Christ, though overwhelmed by his crucifiers, blessed them in his suffering.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 24 and following) Will the prey be taken from the mighty, or what is captured by the strong be saved? For thus says the Lord: Indeed, the captivity will be taken from the mighty, and what has been taken by the strong will be saved. But I will judge those who have judged you, and I will save your children. And I will feed your enemies with their own flesh, and they will be drunk with their own blood as with wine. And all flesh will know that I am the Lord, your Savior, and your strong Redeemer, Jacob. LXX: Will anyone take spoils from a giant? And if anyone unjustly leads captive, will they be saved? Thus says the Lord: If anyone captures a giant, they will receive spoils, and the one who receives from the strong will be saved. But I will execute my judgment. And I will deliver my sons, and those who have afflicted you will eat their own flesh, and they will drink their own blood like new wine, and they will become drunk. And all flesh will know that I am the Lord, who delivered you, and the helper of the strength of Jacob. Our Lord and Savior, who had previously spoken through Isaiah, repeats the same meaning in the Gospel: how can anyone enter the strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house (Mark 3). The strong man and giant is the devil, who had subjugated all peoples under his empire, daring to say to the Savior: All these things have been delivered to me, and I will give them to you if you will fall down and worship me (Matthew 4, 9). The world is indeed placed in the power of the evil one (1 John 5), whom no righteous person could overcome; nor, according to Amos, could one take prey from the mouth of a lion (Amos 3). Therefore, given the question that no one can overcome a strong and mighty one, nor save what was taken from him, the Lord responded that by His coming, all things would be accomplished: namely, that the nations previously captured by the giant would be taken away, and all his possessions and entire household would be divided among the Apostles. Fulfilling that which is written: 'The beloved king of virtues, and of beauty, divided the spoils of the house.' For it is he who ascending on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men (Psalm 67:13, 19; Ephesians 4): namely, those who were previously captured unto death, he received into life. Wherefore Symmachus interpreted it more explicitly: 'But even the strong captivity shall be taken away, and the terrible spoils shall be preserved.' Desiring the strong and terrible devil to be understood, who was overcome by the power of the Lord. Therefore, the Lord who judges those who oppressed Zion, whether he judges their judgement or liberates the children of those who were captured by the giant, he will save and feed his adversaries with their own flesh, and he will make them drunk with wine, so that they will be satisfied not with the death of others, but with their own death. And those who are flesh, because they have lost God's spirit, let them feed on their own flesh. Indeed, the Holy One speaks of this in the Psalms: When those who afflict me come near, to devour my flesh (Ps. 26:2). For it is not the incorporeal spirit, but the flesh that is devoured by the bites of fierce beasts. And then Zion will say: truly all flesh that sees the salvation of God, that the Redeemer and Savior is the one who struggled with Jacob, or the one who helped the strength of Jacob: so that in his suffering, he would bless those who crucify him: Father, forgive them: for they do not know what they are doing (Luke XXIII, 34).
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 4:4.49:25-26
Our Lord Jesus Christ came into the house of the strong man … he raided it and, throwing away the broken chains and the bonds of dark hell, he gave him over to the judgment of the great day to be kept for punishment.… Then Christ has conquered, and he has passed the victory on to us.… For he is the sole cause of our salvation. Therefore, he is the boast of the might of the saints, as Paul the most wise says: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." …For Christ gave us the ability to overcome the murderous dragon so that we can take spoil from it, and we are saved from it as he sends us the victory to everlasting life for glory, praise and the kingdom of heaven.… For Christ said, "I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy." … This is just what we take from the strong one, that is, from Christ. Since he is the Lord of powers, we have been saved and have the victory.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 15:49.26
For “it is I,” he says, who “am God the first, and I am he for the things to come.” It is he who has made us and judged us to be worthy of salvation, he who has freed us from the original deception, he who has promised us the kingdom of God, of which may we enjoy the grace of him who has saved us and to whom is due glory for ages of ages.
Leander of SevilleAD 601
HOMILIES ON THE TRIUMPH OF THE CHURCH
Well may that ancient ravager [the devil] mourn that he has lost his prey, for we see it is fulfilled as we have heard it foretold by the prophet. “Yes,” he said, “captives can be taken from a warrior and booty rescued from a tyrant.” The peace of Christ has destroyed the wall of discord built by the devil, and the house that was divided into mutual slaughter is now joined by the cornerstone, which is Christ.
Isidore of SevilleAD 636
THREE BOOKS OF THOUGHTS 3:57.8-9
In consoling his people through the prophet, God accordingly promises to judge their enemies.… For the wickedness of the evil ones who customarily tear at the chosen of God with their own teeth. When this happens, the life of the unrighteous is undone while that of the righteous is not, but rather it flourishes. Meanwhile, however, the evil ones are educating the righteous through the training of tribulation so that they will hate this present life and long for the life to come.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Isaiah 49:25 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.