Isaiah 46:4
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֶסְבֹּ֖ל
even I will carry
H5445
אֶסְבֹּ֖ל
even I will carry
Strong's:
H5445
Word #:
8 of 15
to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙
you I have made
H6213
עָשִׂ֙יתִי֙
you I have made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶשָּׂ֔א
and I will bear
H5375
אֶשָּׂ֔א
and I will bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
12 of 15
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Cross References
Psalms 71:18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.Psalms 48:14For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.Psalms 92:14They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.Hebrews 1:12And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Romans 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.Malachi 3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.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.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, elderly parents without children faced destitution. God's promise to carry Israel through old age assured covenant security despite the nation's 'childless' exile period.
Questions for Reflection
- What fears about aging or weakening does this promise address in your life?
- How can you encourage elderly believers with this promise of God's never-failing care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The promise 'even to your old age I am he' and 'even to hoar hairs will I carry you' extends God's faithfulness across the entire lifespan, refuting fears of abandonment in weakness. The emphatic 'I have made, and I will bear' establishes divine responsibility for His creation. This anticipates the New Covenant's 'I will' promises (Jeremiah 31:33) and eternal security theology.