Isaiah 44:6
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְגֹאֲל֖וֹ
and his redeemer
H1350
וְגֹאֲל֖וֹ
and his redeemer
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
6 of 15
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
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֑וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
8 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
רִאשׁוֹן֙
I am the first
H7223
רִאשׁוֹן֙
I am the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
10 of 15
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
אַחֲר֔וֹן
and I am the last
H314
אַחֲר֔וֹן
and I am the last
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
12 of 15
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
Cross References
Isaiah 41:4Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.Revelation 1:8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.Revelation 22:13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.Isaiah 44:8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.Isaiah 48:17Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.Isaiah 48:12Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Isaiah 44:24Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Deuteronomy 6:4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Historical Context
Against Babylonian polytheism with its pantheon of gods, Isaiah asserts radical monotheism. These divine titles later appear in Revelation 1:17 and 22:13 applied to Christ, demonstrating His full deity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's claim to be 'first and last' with no other gods challenge modern religious pluralism?
- What does it mean that God is both Israel's King and Redeemer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God proclaims His uniqueness with multiple titles: 'King of Israel,' 'his redeemer' (go'el), 'the LORD of hosts,' 'the first,' 'the last,' and 'beside me there is no God.' This comprehensive declaration establishes absolute monotheism. The Hebrew 'go'el' (redeemer/kinsman-redeemer) emphasizes God's covenant commitment to rescue His people.