Isaiah 48:17
Thus 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.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
גֹּאַלְךָ֖
thy Redeemer
H1350
גֹּאַלְךָ֖
thy Redeemer
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
4 of 14
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
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
H6918
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
5 of 14
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מְלַמֶּדְךָ֣
which teacheth
H3925
מְלַמֶּדְךָ֣
which teacheth
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
לְהוֹעִ֔יל
thee to profit
H3276
לְהוֹעִ֔יל
thee to profit
Strong's:
H3276
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
מַדְרִֽיכֲךָ֖
which leadeth
H1869
מַדְרִֽיכֲךָ֖
which leadeth
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
12 of 14
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
Cross References
Psalms 32:8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Isaiah 30:20And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:Psalms 73:24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.Isaiah 54:13And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.Job 36:22Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?John 6:45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.Micah 4:2And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Psalms 71:17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.Jeremiah 6:16Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Historical Context
This teaching role anticipates Jesus as Rabbi who instructs disciples and Spirit who leads into all truth (John 16:13). The 'way that thou shouldest go' echoes Psalm 32:8 and prefigures Jesus as 'the Way' (John 14:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's redemption in your life included ongoing teaching and leading?
- What is the relationship between being saved (redeemed) and being taught to profit in godliness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The titles 'thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel' combine salvation and sanctification, showing that redemption from sin's penalty includes transformation of character. The description 'which teacheth thee to profit' and 'leadeth thee by the way' depicts God as both instructor and guide. True gospel includes not just forgiveness but discipleship - God redeems to transform.