Isaiah 63:19
We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.
Original Language Analysis
הָיִ֗ינוּ
H1961
הָיִ֗ינוּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵֽעוֹלָם֙
We are thine thou never
H5769
מֵֽעוֹלָם֙
We are thine thou never
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִקְרָ֥א
over them they were not called
H7121
נִקְרָ֥א
over them they were not called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 65:1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.Acts 15:17That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.Acts 14:16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.Psalms 79:6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Ephesians 2:12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;Amos 9:12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
Historical Context
This complaint about role reversal (God's people oppressed, pagans triumphant) runs throughout lament literature. The answer comes in God's sovereign purposes working through apparent defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process when it seems enemies prosper and God's people suffer?
- What does being 'called by thy name' mean for your identity and hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.' The final verse intensifies the contrast: Israel belongs to God; enemies never did. They weren't ruled by God or called by His name. Yet the appearance is reversed - those not His seem to triumph. This sets up the prayer of chapter 64.