Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

And he said {H559}, It is a light thing {H7043} that thou shouldest be my servant {H5650} to raise up {H6965} the tribes {H7626} of Jacob {H3290}, and to restore {H7725} the preserved {H5341}{H5336} of Israel {H3478}: I will also give {H5414} thee for a light {H216} to the Gentiles {H1471}, that thou mayest be my salvation {H3444} unto the end {H7097} of the earth {H776}.

he has said, "It is not enough that you are merely my servant to raise up the tribes of Ya'akov and restore the offspring of Isra'el. I will also make you a light to the nations, so my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth."

He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Isaiah 49:6 is a pivotal verse within the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah, offering a profound glimpse into God's expansive redemptive plan. It highlights the dual mission of the chosen Servant:

Context

This verse is part of the second of Isaiah's four "Servant Songs" (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52:13-53:12), which progressively reveal the identity and mission of God's chosen Servant. While the immediate context sometimes refers to Israel as God's servant, this particular passage, and the Servant Songs generally, point forward to a specific individual who would embody and perfectly fulfill God's purposes. Historically, these prophecies were given during a time when Judah faced exile and despair, offering a beacon of hope for future restoration and a universal reach of God's salvation.

Key Themes

  • The Servant's Dual Mission: The verse outlines two aspects of the Servant's work. First, the "light thing" (not insignificant, but comparatively lesser in scope) is to "raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel." This speaks to God's enduring covenant with His chosen people and the promise of their spiritual and physical renewal. Second, and supremely, the Servant's mission extends far beyond Israel: "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." This universal scope reveals God's heart for all humanity.
  • Universal Salvation and Illumination: The concept of the Servant being a "light to the Gentiles" was revolutionary for its time, breaking down ethnic barriers to God's grace. This "light" (Hebrew: 'or) signifies spiritual illumination, truth, and deliverance from darkness. It prophesies that God's redemptive work, embodied in the Servant, would not be confined to one nation but would radiate globally, bringing His "salvation" (Hebrew: yeshu'ah) to every corner of the world. This finds ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, as acknowledged in the New Testament, such as in Simeon's prophecy concerning the infant Jesus.
  • God's Grand Design: The phrase "it is a light thing" underscores God's magnificent and expansive plan. While the restoration of Israel is vital, it is presented as a stepping stone to an even greater purpose: the worldwide proclamation of God's salvation. This highlights God's sovereign intent to draw people from every tribe and nation to Himself, a theme echoed in the Great Commission, where believers are called to be witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "light," 'or, carries connotations of revelation, truth, and life, contrasting with spiritual darkness.
  • The term "salvation," yeshu'ah, is rich in meaning, encompassing deliverance, victory, and well-being. It is the root from which the name "Jesus" (Yeshua) is derived, powerfully connecting this prophecy to the Messiah.

Practical Application

Isaiah 49:6 reminds us of the boundless nature of God's love and His universal redemptive plan. It challenges believers to embrace a global perspective on mission, understanding that the gospel is for all people, everywhere. Just as the Servant was given as a light, so too are His followers called to reflect that light to a world in need, participating in God's ongoing work of bringing salvation "unto the end of the earth." It offers immense hope that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 13:47

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Isaiah 42:6

    I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

  • Luke 2:32

    A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

  • Psalms 98:2

    The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.

  • Psalms 98:3

    He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

  • Luke 24:46

    And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back