Isaiah 43 1

Isaiah 43:1 kjv

But 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.

Isaiah 43:1 nkjv

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 43:1 niv

But now, this is what the LORD says? he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1 esv

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1 nlt

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43 verses

Isaiah 43 1 Meaning

This verse speaks of God's active creation and powerful presence with His people, assuring them of His constant care and protection. It emphasizes His distinctive attributes that set Him apart as the true God, contrasting Him with idols. The verse is a powerful declaration of divine ownership and redemption, offering immense comfort and security to the chosen people.

Isaiah 43 1 Context

This verse is situated within the larger section of Isaiah 40-66, often called "Deutero-Isaiah" or the "Book of Consolation." The prophet is speaking to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. They are in a state of despair, feeling abandoned by God. Isaiah's message is one of hope and restoration. He reassures them that God has not forgotten them and will bring them back from exile. Chapter 43, in particular, focuses on God's faithfulness and power, contrasting Him with the powerless idols of Babylon. This verse serves as a powerful anchor within this context, establishing God's enduring relationship with His people and His redemptive plan for them. The historical setting of the Babylonian exile, coupled with the spiritual need for assurance, underscores the profound significance of this message.

Isaiah 43 1 Word Analysis

• But (וְעַתָּה - wə‘attâ): Indicates a shift in subject or a transition to a new point, often signifying a turning from past circumstances to present and future action.

• now (וְעַתָּה - wə‘attâ): Reinforces the transition, marking a present reality or a call to attention for what follows.

• thus (כֹּה - kōh): A common adverbial particle, meaning "so" or "thus," introducing what God says or has done.

• saith (אָמַר - ‘âmar): A fundamental verb meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to declare." Here, it emphasizes God as the one speaking.

• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal covenantal name of God in the Old Testament. It signifies His self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature. Its use here connects the redemptive actions to His very being.

• that (הַֽ֠מַּ֠֠סִ֠֠֠ר־ - hammaṣṣôr): (This word analysis appears incorrect based on typical Hebrew texts of Isaiah 43:1. Assuming the intended word is "the one who" or related to the verb of creation).

  • (Corrected for context assuming a related word for creator): that created (בֹּרֵא - bōrē’): The participle of the verb "bārā," meaning "to create," specifically "to create out of nothing." This emphasizes God's absolute power as the originator of all things.
  • thee (אֹתְךָ - ‘ōṯḵā): Masculine singular pronoun "you." Refers to the nation of Israel as a collective entity, often addressed singularly in prophetic discourse.

• O Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya‘ªqōḇ): Jacob is the patriarch from whom the nation of Israel descended. Referring to Jacob personalizes the address to the people, recalling their familial and covenantal origins.

• and (וְ - wə): Connective particle.

• he (וְ־ - wə): Used here to connect to the subsequent participle.

• that formed (יֹצֵר - yōṣēr): The participle of "yāṣar," meaning "to form," "to mold," or "to fashion." This word often carries the connotation of a craftsman shaping something with care and intention, like a potter with clay. It speaks of God's deliberate formation of Israel.

• thee (אֹתָּךְ - ‘ōṯāḵ): Feminine singular pronoun "you," referring again to the nation of Israel, sometimes personified as feminine (e.g., Jerusalem, Zion). The switch from masculine to feminine can encompass different aspects of the people or nation.

• O Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yiśrâ’êl): Israel, the name given to Jacob after his wrestling with God, signifies "He struggles with God." It is the primary name for the covenant people.

• Fear (אַל־תִּירָא - ‘al-ṯîrā’): A strong negative imperative meaning "do not fear" or "do not be afraid." This is a recurring motif of reassurance throughout Isaiah.

• not (אַל־ - ‘al): Negation particle used with the imperative.

• for (כִּי־ - kî): Because, for, indeed. Introduces a reason or basis for the preceding command.

• I (אָנֹכִֽי - ‘ānōḵî): The first-person singular pronoun. Emphatic statement of God’s self-identity.

• have redeemed (גָּאַלְתִּיךְ - gā’alṯîḵ): The Qal perfect first-person singular of "gā’al," meaning "to redeem," "to act as kinsman-redeemer." This signifies a profound act of deliverance, often through purchasing back or paying a price, restoring possession. It has strong connotations of divine deliverance and the removal of bondage.

• thee (ךְ - ḵā): Object pronoun "you."

• I (אָנֹכִֽי - ‘ānōḵî): Repetition for emphasis.

• have called (קְרָאתִךָ - qərā’ṯîḵ): The Qal perfect first-person singular of "qārā," meaning "to call," "to name," "to summon." This signifies a calling by name, implying recognition, intimacy, and divine purpose.

• thee (ךְ - ḵā): Object pronoun "you."

• by (בְּשִׁמְךָ - bəšimḵā): Preposition "in" or "by" with "shem" (name). Calling by name signifies ownership and a personal relationship.

• thy (שִׁמְךָ - šimḵā): "Your name."

• name (שִׁמְךָ - šimḵā): The personal identifier given by God.

• thou art mine (לִי־אָתָּה - lî-‘āttâ): "You are to Me," or "You belong to Me." A direct declaration of divine possession, asserting that Israel is exclusively God's property, a result of His creative and redemptive acts.

• Groups of Words Analysis:

  • "created thee... formed thee": This pairing of verbs highlights both God's absolute origination and His detailed, intentional shaping of Israel, underscoring His authority and care.
  • "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine": This is a core message of assurance. God's redemptive work and personal calling are the foundational reasons why Israel need not fear. The declaration of ownership ("thou art mine") encapsulates the totality of His claim and protection.

Isaiah 43 1 Bonus Section

The Hebrew word "bōrē’" (created) is often used for divine acts of creation that are entirely new or bring into existence that which did not exist. This distinguishes God's creative power from human craftsmanship. The concept of redemption, represented by "gā’al," carries a kinsman-redeemer aspect from Israelite law (Leviticus 25:23-25), where a close relative could buy back enslaved kin or property. God identifies Himself as this ultimate redeemer. The phrase "called thee by thy name" highlights divine recognition and assignment of purpose; it signifies not just calling to a task, but establishing an identity and a place in His plan. This deeply personal ownership is a profound assurance against the feelings of abandonment and insignificance often experienced during exile. The dual naming of "Jacob" and "Israel" can represent the nation as both the result of personal lineage and as the covenant people, emphasizing God's consistent faithfulness across both dimensions of their identity.

Isaiah 43 1 Commentary

The verse powerfully establishes God's identity and His relationship with His people. He is the Creator ("created thee," "formed thee"), the one who brought Israel into existence from nothing and fashioned them with intention. This creative power is the basis of His authority. Furthermore, He is the Redeemer ("redeemed thee"), signifying His active role in liberating them from bondage, a theme that would resonate deeply with those in exile. The intimate act of calling them by name ("called thee by thy name") underscores a personal relationship and recognition, not merely as a collective, but with individual care. The definitive statement, "thou art mine," asserts His absolute ownership and claim over them, implying a commitment to protect and sustain them. This multifaceted declaration of God’s nature and action is presented as the supreme reason for Israel to overcome their fear and trust in Him, especially amidst their current difficult circumstances. It's a foundational declaration of divine election and eternal commitment.