Isaiah 49 2

Isaiah 49:2 kjv

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

Isaiah 49:2 nkjv

And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me."

Isaiah 49:2 niv

He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.

Isaiah 49:2 esv

He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.

Isaiah 49:2 nlt

He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

Isaiah 49 verses

Isaiah 49 2 Meaning

Isaiah 49:2 speaks of a chosen servant of God, a spiritual warrior prepared for a divine mission. This servant's words are described as sharp, like a well-honed sword, signifying their power and precision in communicating God's truth. They are also protected and concealed within God's hand, suggesting divine safeguarding and purpose. The imagery of an arrow, hidden and ready, further emphasizes this prepared and purposeful nature.

Isaiah 49 2 Context

This verse is part of the prophecy of Isaiah, specifically within the section often referred to as the "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-55), which focuses on God's comfort and restoration for Israel. Chapter 49 introduces the theme of a unique "Servant of the Lord" who is chosen from the womb for a significant redemptive mission. This Servant is destined to bring back the dispersed people of Israel and to be a light to the Gentiles. The immediate context within chapter 49 builds on the introduction of this Servant's calling and purpose, preparing the audience for the divine authority and empowerment this individual possesses. Historically, this prophecy would have resonated with the exilic Jewish community, offering hope for future deliverance and a renewed identity through God's chosen representative.

Isaiah 49 2 Word Analysis

• He (וְהוּא - vᵉhû): Pronoun referring to God, emphasizing divine agency and action.
• has made (עָשָׂה - ʿāśâ): A verb indicating creation, formation, or constitution. Here, God actively shapes and equips the Servant.
• my mouth (פִּי - pî): Literal mouth, but here symbolizing speech, declaration, and the medium of God's message.
• like (כְּמ֣וֹ - kəmō): A preposition indicating comparison or resemblance.
• a sharp sword (חֶרֶב - ḥereḇ): A weapon known for its cutting and piercing ability. In this context, it signifies the power, precision, and potential for judgment or pronouncement in the Servant's words. The sharpness implies efficacy and impact.
• in the shadow (בְּצֵל - bəṣel): The area of shade or protection.
• of His hand (יָדוֹ - yāḏô): God's hand represents power, action, protection, and sovereignty. The shadow of His hand signifies intimate divine protection and concealment.
• He has hidden me (צְפָנוֹנִי - ṣəp̄ānô·nî): To hide, conceal, or keep secret. This indicates that the Servant is kept safe and preserved by God for His purposes, perhaps also implying that the Servant's full potential or divine nature is not immediately evident to all.
• He has made me (יְצָרָנִי - yəṣā·rê·nî): Another verb for formation, molding, or fashioning, akin to a potter shaping clay. This emphasizes God's intentional craftsmanship in preparing the Servant.
• a polished arrow (חִצֵּי - ḥiṣṣê): A projectile used for striking. "Polished" suggests it is well-prepared, sharp, and ready for accurate deployment. The Servant is made ready for God's offensive or directional mission.
• in His quiver (בְּאַשְׁפָּת —bə’aš·pāṯ): A case for holding arrows. Being kept in the quiver means the Servant is reserved, protected, and readily available for God's specific timing and use.
• He has kept me secret (שָׂמַר —śā·mêr): To guard, preserve, keep. God actively preserves the Servant, safeguarding them for their destined purpose.

Words Group Analysis:The phrase "made my mouth like a sharp sword" emphasizes the authoritative and incisive nature of the Servant's message. "In the shadow of His hand He has hidden me" and "in His quiver He has kept me secret" both convey divine protection and purposeful concealment, highlighting that the Servant is under God's direct care and preservation for a future role.

Isaiah 49 2 Bonus Section

The imagery of a "polished arrow" also evokes accuracy and directness in God's dealings. This Servant, when released, will strike true to God's intended mark. The concept of being "hidden" within God's hand and "kept secret" in His quiver does not imply inaction but rather a state of being reserved and protected until the appointed time of service and revelation, mirroring how Jesus lived a relatively private life before His public ministry, and how His divine authority was often veiled or understood only by His followers during His earthly walk. This also speaks to the personal, intimate relationship between God and His chosen servant, where protection and purpose are woven together by divine love.

Isaiah 49 2 Commentary

Isaiah 49:2 reveals a divinely commissioned and protected servant whose words possess immense spiritual power, like a sharp sword, capable of piercing and discerning truth. This Servant is not exposed but is intentionally kept hidden and safeguarded within God's own hand and reserved in His quiver. This signifies God's personal involvement in preparing, preserving, and deploying this individual according to His perfect timing and will. The Servanthood described here is one of authority in speech and secure dependence on divine protection, pointing towards Christ.