Isaiah 49:5

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַתָּ֣ה׀

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אָמַ֣ר

H559

And now saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יוֹצְרִ֤י

H3335

that formed

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

מִבֶּ֙טֶן֙

H990

me from the womb

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

לְעֶ֣בֶד

H5650

to be his servant

a servant

ל֔וֹ

לְשׁוֹבֵ֤ב

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יַֽעֲקֹב֙

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#10

אֵלָ֔יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

to him Though Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

ל֣אֹ

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יֵאָסֵ֑ף

H622

be not gathered

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#14

וְאֶכָּבֵד֙

H3513

yet shall I be glorious

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#15

בְּעֵינֵ֣י

H5869

in the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#16

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#17

וֵאלֹהַ֖י

H430

and my God

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

#18

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#19

עֻזִּֽי׃

H5797

shall be my strength

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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