Devine Scripture

Isaiah 41:8

What does Isaiah 41:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 41:8 means

In stark contrast to the nations' fearful scramble and idol worship, God now directly addresses Israel, reaffirming their special status. He calls them 'my servant,' 'Jacob whom I have chosen,' and 'the seed of Abraham my friend.' This tender address emphasizes Israel's unique covenant relationship with God, highlighting their election and the personal, intimate connection established through Abraham. This reminds them of their divine purpose and their heritage as God's beloved people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But as for you, Israel, my servant, and you, Jacob, whom I have taken for myself, the seed of Abraham my friend:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

--And thou, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham, My lover,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But thou Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, my friend

Context

Following the vivid portrayal of the nations' futile idol worship, this verse pivots sharply, turning God's attention to Israel. It uses terms of endearment and covenant to establish a profound difference between Israel and the pagan nations. This direct address sets the stage for a series of powerful reassurances and promises from God to His chosen servant, establishing the theme of divine comfort amid national distress.

v.7So the carpenter encourageth the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smiteth the anvil, saying of the soldering, It is good; and he fasteneth it with nails, that it should not be moved.

v.8This passage

v.9thou whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from the corners thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant, I have chosen thee and not cast thee away;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 7:6

    For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.

  • Psalms 135:4

    For Jehovah hath chosen Jacob unto himself, AndIsrael for his own possession.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.

  • Exodus 19:5

    Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine:

  • Isaiah 44:21

    Remember these things, 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 29:22

    Therefore thus saith Jehovah, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

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