Isaiah 44:5
One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
I am the LORD'S
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
I am the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְזֶ֖ה
H2088
יִקְרָ֣א
and another shall call
H7121
יִקְרָ֣א
and another shall call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וּבְשֵׁ֥ם
himself by the name
H8034
וּבְשֵׁ֥ם
himself by the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְזֶ֗ה
H2088
יִכְתֹּ֤ב
and another shall subscribe
H3789
יִכְתֹּ֤ב
and another shall subscribe
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
10 of 15
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
יָדוֹ֙
with his hand
H3027
יָדוֹ֙
with his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 15
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
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
I am the LORD'S
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֔ה
I am the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבְשֵׁ֥ם
himself by the name
H8034
וּבְשֵׁ֥ם
himself by the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
13 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
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.2 Corinthians 8:5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.Galatians 6:16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.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:
Historical Context
This prophecy anticipates Gentile inclusion in the covenant community, later fulfilled as the gospel spread beyond Israel. The practice of writing God's name or covenant commitment on one's hand appears in verse 5 and anticipates baptism as a sign of covenant belonging.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to publicly identify yourself as belonging to the LORD?
- How do you express your commitment to God and His people in tangible, visible ways?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes conversion to the God of Israel: 'One shall say, I am the LORD's' (claiming covenant relationship), 'another shall call himself by the name of Jacob' (identifying with God's people), and 'another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD' (formal written commitment). The threefold pattern shows complete dedication.