Isaiah 49:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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—

American Standard Version

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);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:5 presents a profound declaration from the Servant of the Lord, affirming his divine appointment and unwavering commitment to his pre-ordained mission. Despite the potential failure of his immediate task to gather Israel, the Servant expresses absolute confidence that his worth and ultimate success are defined by God's estimation, not human response, and that his strength for this arduous undertaking comes solely from the Lord. This verse encapsulates the Servant's unique identity, his challenging mandate, and his profound reliance on divine power and approval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 49:1-13). Following the Servant's self-introduction and affirmation of his divine calling from birth (Isaiah 49:1-4), verse 5 deepens the understanding of his specific mission and the source of his strength. The preceding verses establish the Servant's identity as one chosen and shaped by God, even feeling that his labor has been in vain. This verse directly addresses that potential frustration, revealing that the Servant's glory is not contingent on the success of his mission to Israel but on God's approval. It sets the stage for the expansion of the Servant's mission to the Gentiles in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant as Light to the Gentiles"), demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period for Judah, encompassing the Assyrian threat and looking forward to the Babylonian exile and eventual return. The nation of Israel, represented by "Jacob" and "Israel" in this verse, had a long history of spiritual wandering and rebellion, leading to their dispersion. The concept of a "servant" (Hebrew: *ʻebed*) was multifaceted, often referring to the nation of Israel itself, a faithful remnant, or a specific individual chosen by God for a special task, such as a prophet or king. In this context, the idea of a divinely appointed Servant who would restore the scattered people and bring them back to God would have resonated deeply with a people longing for national and spiritual renewal, even as their own faithfulness was often lacking. The cultural understanding of honor and shame would also make the Servant's declaration of being "glorious in the eyes of the LORD" particularly powerful, emphasizing divine validation over human perception.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 49:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Isaiah. The theme of **Divine Calling and Purpose** is paramount, as the Servant's formation "from the womb" underscores a pre-ordained, sovereign design for his life and mission. This highlights God's intentionality in choosing and equipping His agents. The theme of **Restoration of Israel** is central, with the explicit goal "to bring Jacob again to him," reflecting God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people, even in their brokenness. Crucially, the verse introduces the theme of **Success Defined by God's Approval**, not human results. The phrase "Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD" provides a radical redefinition of success, focusing on faithfulness to divine commission rather than immediate, visible outcomes. This anticipates the Servant's potential rejection, yet his ultimate vindication. Finally, the declaration "my God shall be my strength" emphasizes **Divine Empowerment and Dependence**, a recurring motif throughout Isaiah, where God alone is the source of true power and sustenance for His chosen ones, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - God Gives Power to the Faint").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **formed (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** H3335. This word means "to mould into a form," especially as a potter shapes clay. Figuratively, it implies determining or forming a resolution. In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate, intentional, and sovereign act of creating and shaping the Servant for a specific purpose from his very conception. It speaks to a divine craftsmanship and pre-ordained destiny, highlighting the Servant's unique and non- accidental existence.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** H5650. This term denotes one who serves, a bondman, or a minister. It carries connotations of obedience, submission, and dedication to a master's will. Here, it signifies the Servant's primary identity and role as one wholly devoted to fulfilling God's purposes, embodying humility and singular focus on his divine commission.
* **glorious (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** H3513. This root means "to be heavy," and in a good sense, "to be numerous, rich, honorable." Causatively, it means "to make weighty," "to glorify," or "to honor." When the Servant declares he "shall be glorious," it means he will be honored, highly esteemed, and recognized as weighty or significant in God's eyes. This is a declaration of divine vindication and approval, irrespective of human reception or perceived failure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and purpose of the Servant. The phrase "formed me from the womb" underscores a pre-natal, deliberate, and sovereign act of creation by Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) for the specific role of "his servant." This highlights the Servant's unique status as one chosen and equipped by God from the very beginning of his existence, setting him apart for a divine mission.
* **"to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered":** This section defines the Servant's primary mission: to restore the scattered and wayward people of Israel (represented by "Jacob" H3290 and "Israel" H3478) back to their God. The subsequent "Though Israel be not gathered" introduces a crucial tension or potential paradox. It acknowledges the possibility, even the likelihood, that the Servant's efforts to gather Israel might not meet with complete or immediate success, hinting at resistance or rejection from the very people he is sent to serve.
* **"yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength":** This final clause provides the resolution to the tension. Despite the potential for apparent failure in his mission to Israel, the Servant asserts that his true glory (H3513, *kâbad*) and honor will be found in the "eyes" (H5869, *ʻayin*) of the LORD (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). This signifies divine approval and vindication, where God's assessment of the Servant's faithfulness is paramount, overriding any human judgment or lack of visible success. Furthermore, the Servant declares his absolute reliance on God (H430, *ʼĕlôhîym*) as his ultimate "strength" (H5797, *ʻôz*), indicating that his power and ability to persevere come entirely from the divine source, not from his own capacity or the responsiveness of his audience.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Personification** is evident as the Servant speaks in the first person, expressing his inner thoughts, mission, and reliance on God. This gives the prophecy a deeply personal and relatable tone. The verse also utilizes **Contrast** effectively: the potential failure of Israel to be gathered ("Though Israel be not gathered") is set against the Servant's certain glorification ("yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD"). This highlights the divine standard of success over human metrics. Furthermore, there is a clear **Declaration of Divine Commissioning**, where the Servant's identity and purpose are explicitly stated as originating from God ("formed me from the womb to be his servant"). Finally, the phrase "my God shall be my strength" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying God not just as a source of strength but as strength itself, emphasizing the Servant's complete and utter dependence on the divine for his endurance and effectiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:5 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of divine calling and the definition of true success in God's kingdom. It teaches that faithfulness to God's commission, even in the face of apparent fruitlessness or rejection, is what truly matters in God's eyes. The Servant's reliance on God for strength underscores the biblical principle that divine tasks require divine enablement, and that human weakness can be a conduit for God's power. This verse also profoundly shapes the understanding of the Messiah's role, foreshadowing a mission that would encounter resistance yet ultimately be divinely vindicated and glorified. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even when His chosen people fall short, and His ability to raise up a faithful Servant to accomplish His purposes.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah's call from the womb")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's strength made perfect in weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:5 offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation for believers today. Like the Servant, we are called and shaped by God for His purposes, not by accident but by divine design. This verse reminds us that our primary calling is to be faithful to the mission God has given us, whether it's in our families, workplaces, or ministries. It challenges the common human tendency to measure success by visible outcomes, popularity, or immediate results. Instead, it directs our gaze to God's assessment, reminding us that His "well done" is the ultimate validation. When we face discouragement, rejection, or the feeling that our efforts are in vain, this passage calls us to remember that our glory and strength come from God alone. Our worth is not tied to human reception but to divine approval and the unwavering power of the One who called us. We are to lean fully on God's strength, especially when our own feels insufficient, trusting that He will sustain us and bring His purposes to fruition, even if the path is difficult or the immediate fruit is not apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically define success in my life and ministry, and how might Isaiah 49:5 challenge that definition?**
* **In what areas of my life or service do I feel a lack of strength, and how can I more fully rely on God as my strength in those areas?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "formed from the womb" by God for His purposes, and how does that understanding impact my sense of identity and mission?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's eyes upon me, seeking His approval above the approval of others or the visible results of my efforts?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Servant" in Isaiah 49:5, and how does this verse describe his mission?**

Answer: The "Servant" in Isaiah 49:5 is a complex figure, understood in different layers within the book of Isaiah. While initially referring to the nation of Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - Israel, my servant")), the Servant Songs, especially from [Isaiah 42](/isaiah/42 "Isaiah 42 - The First Servant Song") onwards, progressively narrow the focus to an ideal, righteous individual who perfectly fulfills God's will where Israel failed. This individual is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His mission, as described in this verse, is primarily "to bring Jacob again to him," meaning to restore the scattered and spiritually wayward people of Israel back to God. However, the verse also anticipates that this mission to Israel might not be fully successful ("Though Israel be not gathered"), yet the Servant's glory and strength will come from God regardless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:5 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Servant of the Lord, "formed from the womb" by God for His redemptive purposes, as prophesied in passages like [Luke 1:31-33](/luke/1-31 "Luke 1:31-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Birth"). Jesus' primary earthly ministry was indeed "to bring Jacob again to him," focusing on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")). Despite His perfect life and miraculous works, many in Israel "were not gathered" to Him; He was ultimately rejected by the religious authorities and crucified ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him")). Yet, precisely in this apparent failure, Jesus was "glorious in the eyes of the LORD." His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were the Father's ultimate vindication and glorification of His faithful Servant ([John 17:5](/john/17-5 "John 17:5 - Jesus' prayer for glorification"); [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently relied on His Father as His strength, demonstrating perfect dependence and obedience, even to the point of death on the cross ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son can do nothing of Himself")). Thus, Isaiah 49:5 perfectly encapsulates Christ's divine commission, His challenging yet faithful mission to Israel, His ultimate glorification despite rejection, and His complete reliance on God the Father.

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

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.