49:4 49:4

Isaiah 49:5

49:6 49:6

Bible Versions

And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.
And now, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} that formed {H3335} me from the womb {H990} to be his servant {H5650}, to bring {H7725} Jacob {H3290} again {H7725} to him, Though Israel {H3478} be not gathered {H622}, yet shall I be glorious {H3513} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and my God {H430} shall be my strength {H5797}.
So now ADONAI says - he formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Ya'akov back to him, to have Isra'el gathered to him, so that I will be honored in the sight of ADONAI, my God having become my strength
And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him— for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength—
And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);

Isaiah 49:5 is a powerful declaration from the Servant of the Lord, a central figure in the book of Isaiah, often understood as both the nation of Israel and, more perfectly, as the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the Servant's divine appointment and unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of apparent challenges.

Context

This verse is part of the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-13), which progressively reveal the identity and mission of God's chosen Servant. Following a call to the Gentiles in the previous verses, the Servant here reaffirms his direct commission from God, emphasizing his pre-ordained purpose. Historically, Judah faced exile and spiritual apathy, making the message of a divinely appointed Servant who would restore Israel, and later be a light to the Gentiles, incredibly significant for hope and understanding God's broader redemptive plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Calling and Purpose: The phrase "formed me from the womb [to be] his servant" underscores that the Servant's existence and mission are not accidental but divinely ordained from the very beginning. This speaks to God's sovereign plan for individuals and for His chosen Messiah.
  • Mission to Israel: The primary immediate task mentioned is "to bring Jacob again to him," signifying a mission of spiritual restoration and gathering of God's scattered people back to Him.
  • Success Defined by God: "Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD." This is a critical point. The Servant's success and glory are not contingent on the immediate, tangible response of those he serves, but on God's assessment and approval. This foreshadows the Messiah's rejection by many in Israel, yet His ultimate triumph and glorification by the Father (John 17:5; Philippians 2:9-11).
  • God as Strength: "and my God shall be my strength." The Servant relies entirely on God's power and sustenance to fulfill his arduous mission. This highlights dependence on God, a theme crucial for all who serve Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "formed me from the womb" (yotzri mibbeten) emphasizes a deliberate, intentional act of creation and shaping by God for a specific purpose. It highlights the Servant's unique and pre-ordained role. The word for "glorious" (nikbad) suggests being honored, weighty, or highly esteemed. It indicates divine approval and recognition, irrespective of human reception.

Significance and Application

For Christians, this verse is powerfully fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was set apart from birth for His redemptive work (Luke 1:31-33). His mission was first to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), and though many rejected Him, He remained glorious in the Father's eyes. This verse offers profound encouragement:

  • Divine Purpose: Like the Servant, believers can find assurance that God has a purpose for their lives, even if not as grand in scale. We are God's handiwork, created for good works.
  • Faithfulness Over Results: It teaches that our faithfulness to God's calling is more important than immediate, measurable success, especially when working for spiritual transformation. Our ultimate reward and recognition come from God, not necessarily from human acclaim or immediate results.
  • Relying on God's Strength: The Servant's declaration, "my God shall be my strength," reminds us that true strength for any God-given task comes from Him alone (Philippians 4:13). We are called to lean on Him, especially when facing difficulties or apparent failures in our service.
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.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • John 3:35

    The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • Matthew 21:37

    But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

  • Matthew 21:41

    They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out [his] vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

  • Matthew 3:17

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
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