Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
But thou Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
But thou Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּחַרְתִּ֑יךָ
whom I have chosen
H977
בְּחַרְתִּ֑יךָ
whom I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
זֶ֖רַע
the seed
H2233
זֶ֖רַע
the seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
7 of 9
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
Cross References
Deuteronomy 14:2For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.James 2:23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.2 Chronicles 20:7Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?Isaiah 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Isaiah 51:2Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.Isaiah 29:22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.Psalms 33:12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.Isaiah 43:1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Isaiah 48:12Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Historical Context
Though Israel is in exile appearing defeated, God reasserts their unique covenant status. Their calling as God's servant contrasts with nations serving false gods—Israel serves the living God who chose them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as God's chosen servant shape your response to difficult circumstances?
- What does it mean to be chosen by God for service rather than achievement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
In stark contrast to fearful nations making idols, God addresses Israel as 'my servant' and 'Jacob whom I have chosen.' The title 'servant' ('eved') becomes increasingly important in Isaiah (appearing 20+ times in chapters 40-66), ultimately pointing to Messiah, the perfect Servant. God's choice of Israel is rooted in grace, not merit.