King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:5 Mean?

Isaiah 44:5 in the King James Version says “One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with hi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.”

Isaiah 44:5 · KJV

Context

3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

4

And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

5

One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

7

And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes conversion to the God of Israel: 'One shall say, I am the LORD's' (claiming covenant relationship), 'another shall call himself by the name of Jacob' (identifying with God's people), and 'another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD' (formal written commitment). The threefold pattern shows complete dedication.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy anticipates Gentile inclusion in the covenant community, later fulfilled as the gospel spread beyond Israel. The practice of writing God's name or covenant commitment on one's hand appears in verse 5 and anticipates baptism as a sign of covenant belonging.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to publicly identify yourself as belonging to the LORD?
  2. How do you express your commitment to God and His people in tangible, visible ways?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
זֶ֤ה1 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יֹאמַר֙2 of 15

“One shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 15

“I am the LORD'S”

H3068

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

אָ֔נִי4 of 15
H589

i

וְזֶ֖ה5 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יִקְרָ֣א6 of 15

“and another shall call”

H7121

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

וּבְשֵׁ֥ם7 of 15

“himself by the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יַעֲקֹ֑ב8 of 15

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְזֶ֗ה9 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יִכְתֹּ֤ב10 of 15

“and another shall subscribe”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

יָדוֹ֙11 of 15

“with his 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

לַֽיהוָ֔ה12 of 15

“I am the LORD'S”

H3068

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

וּבְשֵׁ֥ם13 of 15

“himself by the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

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

יְכַנֶּֽה׃15 of 15

“and surname”

H3655

to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize

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 44:5 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 44:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:16Zechariah 13:9Deuteronomy 26:17-192 Corinthians 8:51 Peter 2:9Zechariah 8:20-23

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 44 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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