Isaiah 49:1
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Listen
H8085
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Listen
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אִיִּים֙
O isles
H339
אִיִּים֙
O isles
Strong's:
H339
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
וְהַקְשִׁ֥יבוּ
unto me and hearken
H7181
וְהַקְשִׁ֥יבוּ
unto me and hearken
Strong's:
H7181
Word #:
4 of 13
to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken
מֵרָח֑וֹק
from far
H7350
מֵרָח֑וֹק
from far
Strong's:
H7350
Word #:
6 of 13
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִבֶּ֣טֶן
me from the womb
H990
מִבֶּ֣טֶן
me from the womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
8 of 13
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
קְרָאָ֔נִי
hath called
H7121
קְרָאָ֔נִי
hath called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
מִמְּעֵ֥י
from the bowels
H4578
מִמְּעֵ֥י
from the bowels
Strong's:
H4578
Word #:
10 of 13
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
אִמִּ֖י
of my mother
H517
אִמִּ֖י
of my mother
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
11 of 13
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,Isaiah 44:2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.Isaiah 49:5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.Luke 1:31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.Luke 1:15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.1 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: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;Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Historical Context
This second Servant Song (49:1-13) expands the mission from Israel (42:1-9) to include Gentiles. The call 'from the womb' distinguishes the Servant from prophets who were called during their lifetime, pointing to Christ's unique origin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's call 'from the womb' demonstrate the eternality of God's redemptive plan?
- What comfort does God's prenatal knowledge and naming of His servants provide for your sense of purpose?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Servant's declaration 'The LORD hath called me from the womb' echoes Jeremiah 1:5 and anticipates Galatians 1:15, establishing God's sovereign election before conscious choice. The phrase 'from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name' asserts predestination - God knew and named His Servant in eternity. While Isaiah may partially fulfill this, ultimate reference is to Christ whose incarnation was eternally planned.