Isaiah 49 25

Isaiah 49:25 kjv

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isaiah 49:25 nkjv

But thus says the LORD: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children.

Isaiah 49:25 niv

But this is what the LORD says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.

Isaiah 49:25 esv

For thus says the LORD: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken, and the prey of the tyrant be rescued, for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.

Isaiah 49:25 nlt

But the LORD says,
"The captives of warriors will be released,
and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved.
For I will fight those who fight you,
and I will save your children.

Isaiah 49 verses

Isaiah 49 25 Meaning

This verse powerfully declares that the Lord will contend with those who contend against His people, and He will save His children. It's a promise of divine intervention and deliverance, assuring that God will actively fight for those who afflict His chosen. The ultimate outcome is that all flesh will know the Lord as their Savior and Redeemer.

Isaiah 49 25 Context

This verse appears in Isaiah chapter 49, a significant section of the book often referred to as "Second Isaiah," which shifts focus to the comfort and restoration of God's people, particularly the exiles in Babylon. The immediate context is God's assurance to His Servant (often interpreted as representing Israel, or a future Messiah). The people of God have suffered greatly under oppressors, feeling abandoned and weak. Isaiah 49:24-26 speaks of a future triumph where God will overcome the mightiest captors and deliver His people, promising a complete reversal of their fortunes and the subjugation of their enemies. This verse serves as a potent message of hope and divine vindication for a people in deep distress.

Isaiah 49 25 Word Analysis

• For (Hebrew: כִּי – ki): Introduces the reason or basis for the following statement. It links God's action to the plight of His people.
• the prisoner (Hebrew: שְׁבִיא – shvi): Refers to one taken captive, enslaved, or confined. This word powerfully evokes the experience of the exiles.
• of the tyrant (Hebrew: מֵצַר – metsar): Implies distress, confinement, or a narrow place caused by an oppressor. It highlights the severe affliction suffered by God's people.
• and the spoil (Hebrew: מִשְׁסַת – mishsat): Denotes the plundering or seizure of goods or persons. It refers to what has been unjustly taken from the people.
• of the terrible (Hebrew: נוֹרָא – nora'): An adjective meaning "awesome," "fearful," or "dreadful." Here, it likely describes the oppressive force in a negative, frightening sense, emphasizing their harshness.
• shall be (Hebrew: יִהְיֶה – yihyeh): Future tense of "to be," indicating a future reality.
• taken captive (Hebrew: לָשֶׁל – lashel): To be carried away, captured, or plundered. It’s a forceful term for losing freedom and possessions.
• for (Hebrew: כִּי – ki): Again, introduces the cause or explanation.
• I (Hebrew: אֲנִי – ani): Emphatic personal pronoun, emphasizing the Lord's direct involvement.
• will contend (Hebrew: אָרִיב – ar'iv): From the root ריב (riv), meaning to strive, dispute, contend, or plead a case. It signifies God taking legal or active action against the oppressors.
• with your contenders (Hebrew: עִם־שׂוֹטֶךָ – im-shotekha): The word שׂוֹט (shot) primarily means "whip" or "rod," but here in the plural with the possessive suffix "your," it signifies those who smite, chastise, or oppress you. It’s those who actively trouble and afflict God's people.
• and I (Hebrew: וְאֶת־ – ve'et): And furthermore, God’s action extends to.
• will save (Hebrew: אוֹשִׁיעַ – hoshi'a): From the root ישׁע (yasha'), meaning to save, deliver, rescue, help. It's a central theme of God's action for His people.
• your children (Hebrew: בָּנַיִךְ – banayikh): Your sons and daughters. Refers directly to God's people, His descendants.
• shall know (Hebrew: יֵדְעוּ – yed'u): They will understand, recognize, or become acquainted with.
• that I (Hebrew: כִּי־אֲנִי – ki-'ani): Because it is I.
• the LORD (Hebrew: יְהוָה – YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and promises.
• your Savior (Hebrew: מוֹשִׁיעֲך – moshia'akh): Your rescuer, deliverer, preserver.
• and your Redeemer (Hebrew: וְגוֹאֲלֵךְ – vegohale'kh): Your kinsman-redeemer (from גאל - ga'al). This carries rich connotations of kinship, purchasing freedom, and restoring rights.

Word Groups Analysis

• "prisoner of the tyrant and the spoil of the terrible": This phrase paints a vivid picture of complete subjugation and loss. It encapsulates not just physical captivity but also the seizure of all that was valuable – possessions, dignity, and future. The repetition of concepts highlights the totality of their suffering.
• "I will contend with those who contend with you": This is a powerful declaration of divine intervention on behalf of the oppressed. God aligns Himself directly against the adversaries of His people. The Hebrew "riv" suggests a legal and active confrontation.
• "I will save your children": This promises the preservation of the future generation. It's not just about present deliverance but securing the lineage and covenant promises.
• "all flesh shall know that I am the LORD your Savior and your Redeemer": This broad statement anticipates a universal recognition of God's saving and redemptive power. It points to a future time when God's actions will be so evident that all humanity will understand His true nature as the source of salvation and restoration, specifically in relation to His people. The concepts of Savior and Redeemer are central to Israel's identity and faith.

Isaiah 49 25 Bonus Section

The imagery of the "spoils" being taken highlights how oppressive regimes stripped nations of their wealth, resources, and, most importantly, their people. God's promise here is to reverse this entirely. The concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer (Go'el) in ancient Israelite law involved a close relative stepping in to buy back land or a relative from debt or slavery. God adopts this role for His people, signifying a deep familial connection and an unbreakable commitment. This is profoundly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who redeems humanity from the bondage of sin through His sacrificial blood. The promise that "all flesh shall know" points towards a Messianic age and a final, complete redemption where God's reign is universally acknowledged.

Isaiah 49 25 Commentary

This verse offers profound reassurance to those who feel crushed by powerful enemies. God promises not just to alleviate suffering but to actively confront and defeat the oppressors. The action of "contending" (Hebrew: 'ariv) implies that God enters the arena of conflict to settle the score on behalf of His people, vindicating them. The dual designation of "Savior" (Hebrew: moshia') and "Redeemer" (Hebrew: go'el) highlights God's multifaceted role. He saves from danger and actively reclaims what has been unjustly lost, demonstrating His deep commitment to His covenant family. The ultimate consequence is universal recognition of His saving power. This can be applied practically by remembering that God is our advocate when we face unjust accusations or oppression, and by trusting in His ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ, our Redeemer.