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;
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֛ה
I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קְרָאתִ֥יךָֽ
have called
H7121
קְרָאתִ֥יךָֽ
have called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְצֶ֖דֶק
thee in righteousness
H6664
בְצֶ֖דֶק
thee in righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 12
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
וְאַחְזֵ֣ק
and will hold
H2388
וְאַחְזֵ֣ק
and will hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
5 of 12
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
thine hand
H3027
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְאֶצָּרְךָ֗
and will keep
H5341
וְאֶצָּרְךָ֗
and will keep
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
7 of 12
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
וְאֶתֶּנְךָ֛
thee and give
H5414
וְאֶתֶּנְךָ֛
thee and give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְרִ֥ית
thee for a covenant
H1285
לִבְרִ֥ית
thee for a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
9 of 12
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
עָ֖ם
of the people
H5971
עָ֖ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Luke 2:32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.Acts 13:47For 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 49:8Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;Isaiah 49:6And 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.John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Acts 26:23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Historical Context
This passage appears in the first Servant Song's conclusion (42:1-9), defining the Servant's threefold ministry: establishing justice (v.1), being a covenant (v.6), and opening blind eyes (v.7). Ancient Israel understood covenant as the foundation of relationship with God—think Abraham, Moses, David. Yet this 'new covenant' prophesied by Jeremiah (31:31-34) would surpass previous ones, written on hearts not stone. Jesus claimed this covenant at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28), His blood sealing the promised new relationship. Paul explains that Christ's work brings Gentiles into God's people (Ephesians 2:11-22), fulfilling Isaiah's light-bearing mission to all nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus being the covenant itself (not just mediating it) change your understanding of salvation's security?
- In what ways are you called to be a 'light' to those around you, reflecting Christ's light-bearing mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse intensifies the Servant's commission with covenant language. 'I the LORD have called thee in righteousness' emphasizes divine initiative—the Servant doesn't volunteer but is summoned by God's sovereign purpose. 'In righteousness' (be-tsedeq) indicates both God's righteous character motivating the call and the righteous manner of the Servant's ministry. 'Will hold thine hand' portrays intimate guidance and protection—God personally sustaining His Servant through the mission. The dual purpose follows: 'give thee for a covenant of the people' (le-berit am) suggests the Servant Himself becomes the covenant, not merely its mediator. Christ embodies the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20), personally guaranteeing its terms. 'For a light of the Gentiles' (le-or goyim) expands the mission beyond Israel. Light dispels darkness, reveals truth, guides safely, and enables life—all fulfilled in Christ, 'the light of the world' (John 8:12). Simeon recognized this at Jesus's presentation: 'a light to lighten the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32).