Isaiah 49:6
What does Isaiah 49:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 49:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 49:6 means
This verse reveals God's expansive purpose for His chosen servant, initially identified with Israel, but here extended to a global scope. The phrase "too light a thing" indicates that merely restoring Israel is insufficient for God's ultimate plan. Instead, the servant's role is amplified to become a "light to the Gentiles" and God's "salvation to the end of the earth." This signifies that the servant's mission transcends national boundaries, bringing divine truth and redemption to all nations. The imagery of "light" suggests revelation, guidance, and spiritual illumination for those previously in darkness, offering hope and deliverance to humanity worldwide.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It is not enough for one who is my servant to put the tribes of Jacob again in their place, and to get back those of Israel who have been sent away: my purpose is to give you as a light to the nations, so that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And He saith, `It hath been a light thing That thou art to Me for a servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And the preserved of Israel to bring back, And I have given thee for a light of nations, To be My salvation unto the end of the earth.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890— and he saith, It is a small thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel; I have even given thee for a light of the nations, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Context
Isaiah 49 initiates the second "Servant Song," following the first in chapter 42. In this chapter, the Servant speaks, describing his calling from birth and expressing a sense of futility before God reaffirms His purpose for him. Verses 1-4 establish the Servant's personal testimony and initial discouragement. Verse 5 then transitions to God's direct address to the Servant, emphasizing his divine appointment. Our verse, verse 6, builds directly on this, expanding the Servant's mission beyond Israel to the Gentile nations, setting the stage for subsequent verses that detail the Servant's ultimate vindication and worldwide impact.
v.5And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength);
v.6This passage
v.7Thus saith Jehovah, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise; princes, and they shall worship; because of Jehovah that is faithful, even the Holy One of Israel, who hath chosen thee.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 52:10
Jehovah hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
- Isaiah 42:6
I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
- Luke 24:46
and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;
- John 1:4
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
- Isaiah 11:10
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the root of Jesse, that standeth for an ensign of the peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be glorious.
- Isaiah 46:13
I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
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