Isaiah 65:1
I 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.
Original Language Analysis
נִדְרַ֙שְׁתִּי֙
I am sought
H1875
נִדְרַ֙שְׁתִּי֙
I am sought
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
לֹֽא
me not
H3808
לֹֽא
me not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁאָ֔לוּ
of them that asked
H7592
שָׁאָ֔לוּ
of them that asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
3 of 14
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
נִמְצֵ֖אתִי
for me I am found
H4672
נִמְצֵ֖אתִי
for me I am found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
לֹֽא
me not
H3808
לֹֽא
me not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בִקְשֻׁ֑נִי
of them that sought
H1245
בִקְשֻׁ֑נִי
of them that sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
6 of 14
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
גּ֖וֹי
Behold me behold me unto a nation
H1471
גּ֖וֹי
Behold me behold me unto a nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
11 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
לֹֽא
me not
H3808
לֹֽא
me not
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Romans 10:20But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.1 Peter 2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.Romans 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Isaiah 43:1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Hosea 1:10Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.Isaiah 63:19We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.Isaiah 11:10And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Historical Context
This surprising answer to prayer announces Gentile salvation. God isn't silent - He's actively pursuing those outside Israel who will respond.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God finding those not seeking Him demonstrate grace?
- What does Gentile inclusion teach about the scope of salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'I 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.' God responds to chapter 64's prayer by revealing Himself to the Gentiles who weren't seeking! Paul quotes this in Romans 10:20 regarding Gentile inclusion. 'Behold me' repeated emphasizes God's initiative in self-revelation.