King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:9 Mean?

Isaiah 41:9 in the King James Version says “Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.”

Isaiah 41:9 · KJV

Context

7

So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. goldsmith: or, founder him: or, the smiting saying: or, saying of the soder, It is good

8

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

9

Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. they that strive: Heb. the men of thy strife

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's choice extends to the ends of the earth ('chief men' is better 'corners/extremities'), calling Israel from remote places. The threefold declaration—'I have chosen thee,' 'not cast thee away,' and naming as 'my servant'—provides powerful assurance. The Hebrew 'ma'as' (cast away/rejected) is negated, promising permanent election.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Though geographically scattered and politically subjugated, Israel remains God's chosen people. Distance and displacement cannot nullify God's electing love, providing hope to exiles feeling abandoned.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise never to cast you away address your fears of abandonment?
  2. In what ways does God's calling reach you even in your 'far off' or remote spiritual condition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֶחֱזַקְתִּ֙יךָ֙2 of 13

“Thou whom I have taken”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מִקְצ֣וֹת3 of 13

“from the ends”

H7098

a termination

הָאָ֔רֶץ4 of 13

“of the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמֵאֲצִילֶ֖יהָ5 of 13

“thee from the chief men”

H678

an extremity (see isaiah 41:9), also a noble

קְרָאתִ֑יךָ6 of 13

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וָאֹ֤מַר7 of 13

“thereof and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְךָ֙8 of 13
H0
עַבְדִּי9 of 13

“unto thee Thou art my servant”

H5650

a servant

אַ֔תָּה10 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ11 of 13

“I have chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

וְלֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מְאַסְתִּֽיךָ׃13 of 13

“thee and not cast thee away”

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 41:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 41:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 12:22Psalms 94:14Deuteronomy 7:6-7Joshua 24:2-4James 2:51 Corinthians 1:26-29

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 41 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes