Isaiah 43:1
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֞ה
H6258
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בֹּרַאֲךָ֣
that created
H1254
בֹּרַאֲךָ֣
that created
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
5 of 16
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
וְיֹצֶרְךָ֖
and he that formed
H3335
וְיֹצֶרְךָ֖
and he that formed
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
7 of 16
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
thee O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
thee O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
9 of 16
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גְאַלְתִּ֔יךָ
not for I have redeemed
H1350
גְאַלְתִּ֔יךָ
not for I have redeemed
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
12 of 16
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
קָרָ֥אתִי
thee I have called
H7121
קָרָ֥אתִי
thee I have called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 43:7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Isaiah 43:21This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.Isaiah 42:6I 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;Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 44:2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.
Historical Context
This addresses exiles who felt abandoned. God reminds them of their origin in His creative and electing love, which cannot be nullified by circumstances. They remain His treasured possession despite judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God created and formed you personally strengthen your identity?
- What does it mean to be called by name and claimed as God's possession?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After judgment (42:25), God speaks comfort with 'But now.' The Hebrew 'bara' (created) and 'yatsar' (formed) emphasize God's sovereign work in Israel's existence. The threefold assurance—'I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine'—establishes intimate, personal relationship. The covenant formula grounds security in God's ownership.