Isaiah 43:6
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
Original Language Analysis
לַצָּפוֹן֙
to the north
H6828
לַצָּפוֹן֙
to the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
תֵּ֔נִי
Give up
H5414
תֵּ֔נִי
Give up
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּלְתֵימָ֖ן
and to the south
H8486
וּלְתֵימָ֖ן
and to the south
Strong's:
H8486
Word #:
4 of 12
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּכְלָ֑אִי
Keep not back
H3607
תִּכְלָ֑אִי
Keep not back
Strong's:
H3607
Word #:
6 of 12
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
בָנַי֙
my sons
H1121
בָנַי֙
my sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מֵרָח֔וֹק
from far
H7350
מֵרָח֔וֹק
from far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
9 of 12
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
Historical Context
This extends beyond Babylon to anticipate worldwide Jewish dispersion and future regathering. The familial language (sons, daughters) emphasizes God's tender relationship with His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's determination to gather all His children encourage hope for family members far from faith?
- What does it mean that no distance or direction can prevent God's gathering purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands north to 'Give up' and south to 'Keep not back'—directing even compass directions. The call for 'my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth' emphasizes both gender inclusion and global scope. The Hebrew 'kala' (keep not back/withhold not) demands complete return of all God's children.