King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:17 Mean?

Isaiah 48:17 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which le...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Isaiah 48:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

15

I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

16

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

17

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

19

Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The titles 'thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel' combine salvation and sanctification, showing that redemption from sin's penalty includes transformation of character. The description 'which teacheth thee to profit' and 'leadeth thee by the way' depicts God as both instructor and guide. True gospel includes not just forgiveness but discipleship - God redeems to transform.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching role anticipates Jesus as Rabbi who instructs disciples and Spirit who leads into all truth (John 16:13). The 'way that thou shouldest go' echoes Psalm 32:8 and prefigures Jesus as 'the Way' (John 14:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God's redemption in your life included ongoing teaching and leading?
  2. What is the relationship between being saved (redeemed) and being taught to profit in godliness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּֽה1 of 14
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 14

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 14

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

גֹּאַלְךָ֖4 of 14

“thy 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 14

“the Holy One”

H6918

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל6 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

אֲנִ֨י7 of 14
H589

i

יְהוָ֤ה8 of 14

“I am the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙9 of 14

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מְלַמֶּדְךָ֣10 of 14

“which teacheth”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

לְהוֹעִ֔יל11 of 14

“thee to profit”

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

מַדְרִֽיכֲךָ֖12 of 14

“which leadeth”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ13 of 14

“thee by the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

תֵּלֵֽךְ׃14 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 48:17 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 48:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 32:8Psalms 25:12Job 22:21-22Deuteronomy 8:17-18Isaiah 30:20Psalms 73:24

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