King James Version

What Does Isaiah 49:1 Mean?

Isaiah 49:1 in the King James Version says “Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.”

Isaiah 49:1 · KJV

Context

1

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

2

And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

3

And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

Read Isaiah 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Servant's declaration 'The LORD hath called me from the womb' echoes Jeremiah 1:5 and anticipates Galatians 1:15, establishing God's sovereign election before conscious choice. The phrase 'from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name' asserts predestination - God knew and named His Servant in eternity. While Isaiah may partially fulfill this, ultimate reference is to Christ whose incarnation was eternally planned.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This second Servant Song (49:1-13) expands the mission from Israel (42:1-9) to include Gentiles. The call 'from the womb' distinguishes the Servant from prophets who were called during their lifetime, pointing to Christ's unique origin.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's call 'from the womb' demonstrate the eternality of God's redemptive plan?
  2. What comfort does God's prenatal knowledge and naming of His servants provide for your sense of purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שִׁמְע֤וּ1 of 13

“Listen”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִיִּים֙2 of 13

“O isles”

H339

properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island

אֵלַ֔י3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהַקְשִׁ֥יבוּ4 of 13

“unto me and hearken”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

לְאֻמִּ֖ים5 of 13

“ye people”

H3816

a community

מֵרָח֑וֹק6 of 13

“from far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

יְהוָה֙7 of 13

“The LORD”

H3068

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

מִבֶּ֣טֶן8 of 13

“me from the womb”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

קְרָאָ֔נִי9 of 13

“hath called”

H7121

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

מִמְּעֵ֥י10 of 13

“from the bowels”

H4578

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

אִמִּ֖י11 of 13

“of my mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

הִזְכִּ֥יר12 of 13

“hath he made mention”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

שְׁמִֽי׃13 of 13

“of my name”

H8034

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

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 49:1 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 49:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 1:5Galatians 1:15Isaiah 44:2Isaiah 49:5Luke 1:31Luke 2:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 49 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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