Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֥ה
H6258
יְהוָ֖ה
But now O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
But now O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אָבִ֣ינוּ
thou art our father
H1
אָבִ֣ינוּ
thou art our father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הַחֹ֙מֶר֙
we are the clay
H2563
הַחֹ֙מֶר֙
we are the clay
Strong's:
H2563
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ
and thou our potter
H3335
יֹצְרֵ֔נוּ
and thou our potter
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
8 of 11
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
and we all are the work
H4639
וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
and we all are the work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
9 of 11
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Cross References
Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Psalms 119:73Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Isaiah 63:16Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.Isaiah 29:16Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?Isaiah 45:9Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?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 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Isaiah 43:7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Historical Context
This confession combines intimacy (father) with submission (potter/clay). It recognizes that only God's sovereign refashioning can change their condition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the potter/clay metaphor balance with God as Father?
- What areas of your life need the Potter's reshaping?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.' The 'but now' (attah) marks a turn from despair to hope. Despite everything, God remains 'our father.' The potter/clay imagery (see Jeremiah 18) acknowledges divine sovereignty and human dependence. We are His 'work' (ma'aseh).