Keraia
Isaiah 49

Isaiah 49:6

The Servant and Light to the Gentiles · Isaiah 49:1–26
Read Isaiah 49

Translations

Modern
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Traditional
And 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.
Literal
…and He said: “It is a light thing that You should be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; and I will give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Latin
Et dixit: Parum est ut sis mihi servus ad suscitandas tribus Jacob, et fæces Israël convertendas: ecce dedi te in lucem gentium, ut sis salus mea usque ad extremum terræ.

Original

Hebrew
English
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Notes

Isaiah 49:6

a light for the nations: As the Messiah (God's chosen one), the servant's mission would reach the entire world (see Isaiah 11:10, 12; 42:6). The apostle Paul explained his mission to the Gentiles based on this prophecy (Acts 13:47; 26:23).

Isaiah 49:1–55:13

God planned to rescue the Israelites from exile. But an important question remained. How could sinful Israel serve the Holy One again?

God would make a way to remove Israel’s sin. He would restore their fellowship with him. This means he would bring them back into a right relationship with himself.

The way would be through the promised Servant. This Servant would come for Israel and for all nations. He was first introduced in Isaiah 42:1–9. n this passage, he becomes the main focus.

Isaiah 49:1–13

This is traditionally seen as the second of four songs about a suffering servant (see study note on Isaiah 42:1–4). The servant's role in suffering becomes clearer (see also Isaiah 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12).

Events

Parallels

Acts 13:42–52

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Baptism of Jesus Church Isaiah, Book of Light Messiah New Creation, New Creature Salvation Servant

Topics

Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Coming of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Jesus, the Christ: Relation of, to the Father Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Light: Figurative and Symbolical Salvation of the Gentiles, Predicted Salvation: Christ: Appointed For