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Isaiah 41:14

Isaiah 41:14 in Multiple Translations

Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith Jehovah, and thy Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Have no fear, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel; I will be your helper, says the Lord, even he who takes up your cause, the Holy One of Israel.

Don't be frightened, Jacob, you little worm, you people of Israel, for I will help you,” declared the Lord your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.

Feare not, thou worme, Iaakob, and ye men of Israel: I wil helpe thee, sayth the Lord and thy redeemer the holy one of Israel.

Fear not, O worm Jacob, ye men of Israel, I helped thee, an affirmation of Jehovah, Even thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Fear not, thou worm of Jacob, you that are dead of Israel: I have helped thee, saith the Lord: and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel.

Although you people of Israel [DOU] think that you are as insignificant as worms, do not be afraid of your enemies, because I will help you. I am Yahweh, the one who rescues you; I am the Holy One of Israel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:14

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 41:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אַל תִּֽירְאִי֙ תּוֹלַ֣עַת יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב מְתֵ֖י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲנִ֤י עֲזַרְתִּי/ךְ֙ נְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה וְ/גֹאֲלֵ֖/ךְ קְד֥וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
תִּֽירְאִי֙ yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Juss-2fs
תּוֹלַ֣עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 worm N-fs
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob N-proper
מְתֵ֖י math H4962 man N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
עֲזַרְתִּי/ךְ֙ ʻâzar H5826 to help V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וְ/גֹאֲלֵ֖/ךְ gâʼal H1350 to redeem Conj | V-Qal | Suff
קְד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 holy Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:14

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּֽירְאִי֙ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Juss-2fs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
תּוֹלַ֣עַת tôwlâʻ H8438 "worm" N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 "Jacob" N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
מְתֵ֖י math H4962 "man" N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a grown man, as seen in Genesis 14:24 and Numbers 31:28. It can also mean a few men or a small group of people, depending on the context. The word is used to describe adult males in various biblical stories.
Definition: 1) male, man 1a) males, men 1b) few men (in prose) 1b1) less emphasis on sex 1c) men (poetic) 1c1) less emphasis on sex
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] few, [idiom] friends, men, persons, [idiom] small. See also: Genesis 34:30; Job 19:19; Psalms 17:14.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲנִ֤י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
עֲזַרְתִּי/ךְ֙ ʻâzar H5826 "to help" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/גֹאֲלֵ֖/ךְ gâʼal H1350 "to redeem" Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means redemption, describing the act of a kinsman buying back a relative's property or marrying their widow, as seen in the story of Boaz in Ruth.
Definition: : redeem 1) to redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer, avenge, revenge, ransom, do the part of a kinsman 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as kinsman, do the part of next of kin, act as kinsman-redeemer 1a1a) by marrying brother's widow to beget a child for him, to redeem from slavery, to redeem land, to exact vengeance 1a2) to redeem (by payment) 1a3) to redeem (with God as subject) 1a3a) individuals from death 1a3b) Israel from Egyptian bondage 1a3c) Israel from exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to redeem oneself 1b2) to be redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, [idiom] at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger. See also: Genesis 48:16; Job 3:5; Psalms 19:15.
קְד֥וֹשׁ qâdôwsh H6918 "holy" Adj
Holy means set apart or sacred, used to describe God, angels, and saints. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things or people dedicated to God's service, like the Temple in Jerusalem or the prophets who spoke on God's behalf.
Definition: : holy sacred, holy, Holy One, saint, set apart
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: holy (One), saint. See also: Exodus 19:6; Psalms 89:19; Psalms 16:3.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Isaiah 41:14

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 43:14 Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.
2 Psalms 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
3 Isaiah 54:5 For your husband is your Maker— the LORD of Hosts is His name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.
4 Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.
5 Psalms 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
6 Job 25:6 how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!”
7 Job 19:25 But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth.
8 Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
9 Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.
10 Isaiah 63:16 Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.

Isaiah 41:14 Summary

[Isaiah 41:14 is a message of hope and comfort from God to the people of Israel, reminding them that even when they feel weak and insignificant, He is their Redeemer and will help them. This promise is rooted in God's character as the Holy One of Israel, emphasizing His holiness and special relationship with His people. Just like Israel, we can trust in God's power and love, knowing that our help comes from Him (Psalm 121:2), and we do not have to fear because He is our Redeemer (Isaiah 54:5). By trusting in God, we can face our challenges with courage and confidence, remembering that He is always with us to help us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be called a 'worm of Jacob' in Isaiah 41:14?

This phrase is a metaphor that signifies the people of Israel are weak and insignificant in their own strength, but God still chooses to help and redeem them, as seen in Isaiah 41:14 and reinforced by Psalm 22:6 where the Messiah is also described in a similar manner.

Why does God tell the people of Israel not to fear in this verse?

God tells the people of Israel not to fear because He is their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, who has promised to help them, as stated in Isaiah 41:14 and supported by Isaiah 43:1 where God reminds Israel that He has redeemed them and called them by name.

What is the significance of the title 'Holy One of Israel' in this verse?

The title 'Holy One of Israel' emphasizes God's unique character as the only holy God and His special relationship with Israel, a theme repeated throughout the book of Isaiah, such as in Isaiah 1:4 and Isaiah 54:5.

How can we apply the promise of God's help in Isaiah 41:14 to our own lives?

We can apply this promise by trusting in God's power and love, just as Israel was to trust, and remembering that our help comes from the Lord, who is our Redeemer, as encouraged in Psalm 121:2 and Hebrews 13:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the areas in my life where I am feeling weak and insignificant, and how can I apply the promise of God's help from Isaiah 41:14 to those situations?
  2. How does remembering that God is my Redeemer and the Holy One of my life impact my daily fears and anxieties?
  3. In what ways can I, like the people of Israel, trust in God's power and promises to overcome the challenges I face, and what scriptures can I meditate on to strengthen this trust?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'not fear' in the face of my current challenges, and how can I practically live out this command in faith, looking to examples in the Bible such as Daniel 3:16-18?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob,.... Being like a worm, exposed to danger, and liable to be trampled upon and crushed, mean and despicable in their own eyes, and in the esteem of others; and it may be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:14

Thou worm Jacob, who art weak in thyself, and despised and trodden under foot by thy proud and potent enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:14

Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Ver. 14. Fear not.] This is oft inculcated, for better confirmation and comfort. Our Saviour may seem to have hence his "Fear not little flock." It is no easy matter to cheer up afflicted consciences. Luther saith it is as hard a matter as to raise the dead. Hence this frequent "Fear not."

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:14

(14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob.—The servant of Jehovah is reminded that he has no strength of his own, but is “as a worm, and no man” (Psalms 22:6). He had not been chosen because he was a great and mighty nation, for Israel was “the fewest of all people” (Deuteronomy 7:7). As if to emphasise this, the prophet in addressing Israel passes from the masculine to the feminine, resuming the former in the second clause of Isa 41:15, where he speaks of its God-given strength. Thy redeemer . . .—i.e., the Goel of Lev 25:48-49, the next of kin, who was the protector, the deliverer, of his brethren (Leviticus 25:43-49). Looking to the numerous traces of the influence of the Book of Job in 2 Isaiah, it seems not improbable that we have in these words an echo of the hope, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:14

Verse 14. Fear not, thou worm Jacob] In the rabbinical commentary on the five books of Moses, Yelamedenu, it is asked, Why are the Israelites called a worm? To signify, that as the worm does not smite, that is, gnaw the cedars, but with its mouth, which is very tender, yet it nevertheless destroys the hard wood; so all the strength of the Israelites is in prayer, by which they smite the wicked of this world, though strong like the cedars, to which they are compared, Ezekiel 31:3.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:14

14–16. Israel itself, in the might of Jehovah, shall be the means of crushing and scattering its foes. The idea, however, is not that of warlike conquest on the part of the Israelites, it is simply that in the contest Israel is as the threshing instrument to the corn, it is armed with an irresistible strength. Cheyne pointed out that in Isaiah 41:14-15 a, Israel is addressed in the fem., but that is in all probability a mere freak of the punctuators, suggested by the fem. “worm.” thou worm Jacob] Cf. Psalms 22:6; Job 25:6. ye men of Israel] supplies a very weak parallel. It is generally taken as an ellipsis for “ye few men of I.” (as if it were ξϊιξρτψ, Genesis 34:30 &c.), but that would have to be expressed. We should probably read with Ewald “thou small worm Israel” (ψξϊ for ξϊι); the two words for “worm” occur together in Job 25:6 and also in ch. Isaiah 14:11. I will help] Render, as before, I help. and thy redeemer, the Holy One] Read with R.V. and thy Redeemer is the Holy One. The word for “Redeemer” is Gτ’ηl, the technical term for the person charged with the duty of buying back the alienated property of a kinsman, of avenging his death, and certain other obligations (see Leviticus 25:48 f.; Numbers 35:19 ff.; Rth 3:12 &c.). It is a standing title of Jehovah in the latter part of Isaiah, occurring in 12 passages (the corresponding verb in 6 others). The verb means originally to assert a right by purchase: hence fig. to reclaim, rescue &c.; Driver, Introduction6, p. 418.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:14

Fear not - (See the note at Isaiah 41:10). Thou worm - This word is properly applied as it is with us, to denote a worm, such as is generated in putrid substances Exodus 16:20; Isaiah 14:11; Isaiah

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:14

14. Thou worm Jacob — The term “worm” expresses feebleness, and is applied to give the hint that Israel’s predicted deliverance is not to be a thing of their own achievement. Thy Redeemer — See Leviticus 25:25-27.

Sermons on Isaiah 41:14

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the danger of becoming civilized and losing the fervor for evangelism, highlighting the arrogance and lack of correction in prominent preachers. It calls for
George Verwer Cd Gv446 Gcowe 1997 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker addresses four questions related to facilitating a mission's movement among students, training them, taking them on short-term outreaches, and applying
A.B. Simpson The God of Jacob by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the contrast between Jacob, described as a 'worm,' and the 'Mighty One of Jacob,' illustrating how God chooses the weak and unworthy to demonstrate His grac
C.H. Spurgeon If There Were an Ant at the Door of Your Granary by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance of God's help, reminding us that the Lord, our Redeemer, has already made great sacrifices for us, including His death and choosing us before
George Warnock His Dealings by George Warnock George Warnock preaches about God's individual and specific dealings with His people, emphasizing the importance of not criticizing others on their personal walk with the Lord. He
Charles E. Cowman Thresh the Mountains by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the power of faith, using the example of the woman with great faith in Matthew 15:28 and the story of the walls of Jericho falling down by faith. H
Charles E. Cowman Earth's Broken Things by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches on the transformative power of God, using the analogy of a worm being turned into a threshing instrument with teeth. He emphasizes how God can take our w

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