Isaiah 49:25

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You"). 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'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His promises. 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'_):** This term describes someone powerful, a warrior, or a 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'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be open, wide, or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "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.

* [Psalm 124:6-8](/psalms/124-6 "Psalm 124:6-8 - Our Soul Has Escaped")
* [Jeremiah 31:10-11](/jeremiah/31-10 "Jeremiah 31:10-11 - He Who Scattered Israel Will Gather Them")
* [Zechariah 9:11-12](/zechariah/9-11 "Zechariah 9:11-12 - Prisoners of Hope")

### 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](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4-6 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon").

### 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](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The 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](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me"), quoted by Jesus in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Reads from Isaiah")). He is the one who contended with the ultimate adversary, Satan, overcoming him through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). 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](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17-18 - Freed from Sin")). 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](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). 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.

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

Isaiah 54:15

Behold, they shall surely gather together, [but] not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Isaiah 41:12

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, [even] them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

Jeremiah 50:33

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The children of Israel and the children of Judah [were] oppressed together: and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go.