King James Version

What Does Isaiah 42:6 Mean?

Isaiah 42:6 in the King James Version says “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;”

Isaiah 42:6 · KJV

Context

4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. discouraged: Heb. broken

5

Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

7

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

8

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Read Isaiah 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse intensifies the Servant's commission with covenant language. 'I the LORD have called thee in righteousness' emphasizes divine initiative—the Servant doesn't volunteer but is summoned by God's sovereign purpose. 'In righteousness' (be-tsedeq) indicates both God's righteous character motivating the call and the righteous manner of the Servant's ministry. 'Will hold thine hand' portrays intimate guidance and protection—God personally sustaining His Servant through the mission. The dual purpose follows: 'give thee for a covenant of the people' (le-berit am) suggests the Servant Himself becomes the covenant, not merely its mediator. Christ embodies the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20), personally guaranteeing its terms. 'For a light of the Gentiles' (le-or goyim) expands the mission beyond Israel. Light dispels darkness, reveals truth, guides safely, and enables life—all fulfilled in Christ, 'the light of the world' (John 8:12). Simeon recognized this at Jesus's presentation: 'a light to lighten the Gentiles' (Luke 2:32).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage appears in the first Servant Song's conclusion (42:1-9), defining the Servant's threefold ministry: establishing justice (v.1), being a covenant (v.6), and opening blind eyes (v.7). Ancient Israel understood covenant as the foundation of relationship with God—think Abraham, Moses, David. Yet this 'new covenant' prophesied by Jeremiah (31:31-34) would surpass previous ones, written on hearts not stone. Jesus claimed this covenant at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28), His blood sealing the promised new relationship. Paul explains that Christ's work brings Gentiles into God's people (Ephesians 2:11-22), fulfilling Isaiah's light-bearing mission to all nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus being the covenant itself (not just mediating it) change your understanding of salvation's security?
  2. In what ways are you called to be a 'light' to those around you, reflecting Christ's light-bearing mission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֲנִ֧י1 of 12
H589

i

יְהוָ֛ה2 of 12

“I the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קְרָאתִ֥יךָֽ3 of 12

“have called”

H7121

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

בְצֶ֖דֶק4 of 12

“thee in righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְאַחְזֵ֣ק5 of 12

“and will hold”

H2388

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

בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ6 of 12

“thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְאֶצָּרְךָ֗7 of 12

“and will keep”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

וְאֶתֶּנְךָ֛8 of 12

“thee and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִבְרִ֥ית9 of 12

“thee for a covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

עָ֖ם10 of 12

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְא֥וֹר11 of 12

“for a light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

גּוֹיִֽם׃12 of 12

“of the Gentiles”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 42:6 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 42:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:32John 8:12Acts 13:47Isaiah 49:8Isaiah 26:3Isaiah 49:6

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