King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:14 Mean?

Isaiah 43:14 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. nobles: Heb. bars

Isaiah 43:14 · KJV


Context

12

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

13

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? let it: Heb. turn it back?

14

Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. nobles: Heb. bars

15

I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

16

Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies as 'your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel'—combining redemption and holiness. The promise: He will send to Babylon and bring down their fugitives, turning Chaldean rejoicing to crying. The Hebrew 'go'el' (redeemer) emphasizes God as kinsman-avenger who will vindicate His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This specifically prophesies Babylon's fall to Persia (539 BC). The proud Chaldeans who sang in their ships will lament as their empire collapses. God personally orchestrates their downfall.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's role as Redeemer inform your understanding of His commitment to justice?
  2. What oppressive powers in your life need God's redeeming intervention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כֹּֽה1 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֧ר2 of 15

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה3 of 15

the LORD

H3068

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

גֹּאַלְכֶ֖ם4 of 15

your redeemer

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

קְד֣וֹשׁ5 of 15

the Holy One

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל6 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְמַעַנְכֶ֞ם7 of 15
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי8 of 15

For your sake I have sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בָבֶ֗לָה9 of 15

to Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

וְהוֹרַדְתִּ֤י10 of 15

and have brought down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בָֽרִיחִים֙11 of 15

all their nobles

H1281

a fugitive, i.e., the serpent (as fleeing), and the constellation by that name

כֻּלָּ֔ם12 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְכַשְׂדִּ֖ים13 of 15

and the Chaldeans

H3778

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

בָּאֳנִיּ֥וֹת14 of 15

is in the ships

H591

a ship

רִנָּתָֽם׃15 of 15

whose cry

H7440

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)


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 43:14 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 43:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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