Isaiah 46:3
Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Hearken
H8085
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית
and all the remnant
H7611
שְׁאֵרִ֖ית
and all the remnant
Strong's:
H7611
Word #:
6 of 14
a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַֽעֲמֻסִים֙
which are borne
H6006
הַֽעֲמֻסִים֙
which are borne
Strong's:
H6006
Word #:
9 of 14
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
בֶ֔טֶן
by me from the belly
H990
בֶ֔טֶן
by me from the belly
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
11 of 14
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
הַנְּשֻׂאִ֖ים
which are carried
H5375
הַנְּשֻׂאִ֖ים
which are carried
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
12 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:31And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.Isaiah 51:7Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.Psalms 71:6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.Isaiah 1:9Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.Isaiah 51:1Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.Isaiah 10:22For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.Isaiah 48:1Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.Exodus 19:4Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.Isaiah 37:4It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.Isaiah 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
Historical Context
This passage addresses the exilic community's fear that Babylon's conquest proved their God inferior. Instead, Isaiah shows that Yahweh's temporary discipline doesn't negate His eternal covenant commitment to carry Jacob/Israel through history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God has carried you 'from the womb' change your view of current struggles?
- In what ways do you try to 'carry yourself' instead of resting in God's sustaining grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of God carrying His people 'from the belly' and 'from the womb' emphasizes His covenant faithfulness from election through glorification. The Hebrew suggests both creation and sustenance, establishing God as sovereign originator and faithful sustainer. This refutes Pelagian self-sufficiency and establishes unconditional election - we don't choose God then maintain ourselves; He initiates and completes (Philippians 1:6).