Isaiah 41:8
Isaiah 41:8 in Multiple Translations
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,
But as for you, Israel, my servant, and you, Jacob, whom I have taken for myself, the seed of Abraham my friend:
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, the ones I have chosen, descendants of my friend Abraham,
But thou, Israel, art my seruant, and thou Iaakob, whom I haue chosen, the seede of Abraham my friend.
— And thou, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham, My lover,
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend,
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
But thou Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend:
Yahweh says, “You people of Israel are like my servants; you are descendants of Jacob, whom I chose; you are descendants of Abraham, who I said is my friend.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:8
BAB
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 41:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּה֙
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
עַבְדִּ֔/י
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּחַרְתִּ֑י/ךָ
זֶ֖רַע
אַבְרָהָ֥ם
אֹהֲבִֽ/י
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עַבְדִּ֔/י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּחַרְתִּ֑י/ךָ
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms
אַבְרָהָ֥ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
אֹהֲבִֽ/י
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:8
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל
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.
עַבְדִּ֔/י
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּחַרְתִּ֑י/ךָ
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
זֶ֖רַע
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
אַבְרָהָ֥ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
אֹהֲבִֽ/י
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal | Suff
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:8
Context — God’s Help to Israel
6Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!”
7The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled.
8“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—
9I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. 10Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 2:23 | And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 20:7 | Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 14:2 | for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. |
| 4 | Exodus 19:5–6 | Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” |
| 5 | John 15:14–15 | You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. |
| 6 | Isaiah 51:2 | Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him. |
| 7 | Isaiah 44:21 | Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. |
| 8 | Isaiah 44:1–2 | But now listen, O Jacob My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. |
| 9 | Psalms 33:12 | Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance! |
| 10 | Isaiah 29:22 | Therefore the LORD who redeemed Abraham says of the house of Jacob: “No longer will Jacob be ashamed and no more will his face grow pale. |
Isaiah 41:8 Summary
This verse is a reminder that God chooses certain people to be His servants and friends, like Abraham and the nation of Israel. Being chosen by God is a great privilege and responsibility, and it means that we are called to serve and obey Him, as seen in Romans 11:5. It's not because of anything we've done, but because of God's love and grace, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with God, just like Abraham did, and to trust in His plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a chosen servant of God?
To be a chosen servant of God means to be selected by Him for a special purpose, as seen in Isaiah 41:8, where Israel is called God's servant, and also in Romans 11:5, where it is written that there is a remnant chosen by grace.
Who is Abraham, and why is he called God's friend?
Abraham is a key figure in the Bible, known for his faith, and he is called God's friend in Isaiah 41:8 and also in 2 Chronicles 20:7 and James 2:23, because of his close relationship with God, as seen in Genesis 18:17-33.
What is the significance of being a descendant of Abraham?
Being a descendant of Abraham is significant because it connects the person to the covenant promises made by God to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:6-9, and it also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan.
How does this verse relate to the concept of election in the Bible?
This verse relates to the concept of election in the Bible, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29-30, where it is written that God chooses those who will be saved, and it emphasizes God's sovereignty and love in selecting those who will be His servants and friends.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to me to be chosen by God, and how should I respond to this calling?
- How can I, like Abraham, cultivate a deep and personal friendship with God, and what are the benefits of such a relationship?
- In what ways can I, as a servant of God, reflect His love and character to those around me, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so?
- How can I balance the idea of being chosen by God with the fact that He loves and desires a relationship with all people, as seen in John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant,.... As the great spread and success of the Gospel could not fail of drawing the resentment of the idolatrous Heathens on those who embraced and professed it, and by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant: thus the Gentiles show themselves to be the servants of their idols, and own them for their god; but thou art my people, and I am and will be thy God. Whom I have chosen, out of the heap of the idolatrous nations, to be my peculiar people. Abraham my friend; with whom I made a strict league of perpetual friendship; of which see ,3 15:1,18.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
Isaiah 41:8 But thou, Israel, [art] my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.Ver. 8. But thou, Israel, art my servant.] And it was for thy sake, and for thy settlement, that I have dealt so long with those odious idolaters, whom else I would not once look toward nor commune with, as he said, 2 Kings 3:14. The seed of Abraham, my friend.] This style was a higher honour to Abraham than if God had engraven his name in the orbs of heaven. Hushai was David’ s "friend," and Augustus vouchsafed to give Virgil the name of "Amicus." This was a special favour, but not like that in the text.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
(8) But thou, Israel, art my servant . . .—The verse is important as the first introduction of the servant of the Lord who is so conspicuous throughout the rest of the book. The idea embodied in the term is that of a calling and election, manifested now in Israel according to the flesh, now in the true Israel of God, realising its ideal, now, as in the innermost of the three concentric circles, in a person who gathers up that ideal in all its intensity into himself. The three phrases find their parallel in St. Paul’s language as to (1) the seed of Abraham according to the flesh; (2) the true seed who are heirs of the faith of Abraham; (3) the seed, which is none other than the Christ Himself (Romans 9:7; Galatians 3:7; Galatians 3:16). Here we have the national aspect, Israel as he is in the idea of God. So in the later language of Christian thought we have (1) the visible Church falling short of the ideal; (2) the spiritual Church approximating to the ideal; (3) Christ Himself, as identified with His people. The seed of Abraham my friend.—The word for “friend” implies loving as well as being loved. Of all the names of Abraham, it has had the widest currency (comp. 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). For the Arabs of the present time Abraham is still Khalil Allah—the friend of God, or simply, el Khalil, the friend.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:8
8–10. Israel is bidden “Fear not,” because of its peculiar relation to Jehovah. But thou, Israel] In opposition to the other peoples (Isaiah 41:1). Omit “art” with R.V. my servant] Cf. Jeremiah 30:10 f., Jeremiah 46:27 f.; Ezekiel 28:25; Ezekiel 37:25,—the only older passages (if those in Jeremiah be really older) where the name is applied to Israel. The title is used in its simplest and widest sense, being applied to the nation as a whole, although of course in its ideal aspect, as it exists in the mind of Jehovah. The idea, however, is already a complex one, although the writer does not as yet analyse it into its different elements. (See Introduction, p. xxxi.) The one fact emphasized in this passage is the irrevocable choice or election of God, by which Israel was from its origin in Abraham constituted His servant. Cf. ch. Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 44:1 f., Isaiah 49:7. seed of Abraham my friend] (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:7) lit. “my lover”: but as Duhm remarks Heb. has no single word to express the reciprocal relation of friendship as distinct from companionship.
Cf. James 2:23, φίλοςθεοῦἐκλήθη. So among the Mohammedans, Abraham is designated chalξl ullah, “Friend of God.” Note that Abraham is called “my servant” in Genesis 26:24.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:8
But thou, Israel, art my servant - This is an address directly to the Jews, and is designed to show them, in view of the truths which had just been urged, that God was their protector and friend.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:8
8-10. The sarcasm is now that of silence; the idol does not speak.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Protection From Backslidding by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking with God and avoiding backsliding. He highlights three key actions that must be consciously and deliberately done t |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of believers in preparing people for the second coming of Jesus, comparing it to the way John the Baptist prepared for his first co |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 6 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of service and the role of the servant in the Bible. The passages from Isaiah are examined to understand the model servant and th |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 7 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the sharp threshing instrument in the ministry of Jesus. The instrument represents the dividing line between the false and |
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The Crib, the Cross and the Crown by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of conviction of sin in today's preaching. He emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins and for them t |
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Help Is on the Way by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 41:8, where God addresses Israel as His chosen servant. The preacher emphasizes that God has chosen and called His people, and theref |
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(Pdf Book) Walk Before Me by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound friendship between God and Abraham, illustrating how God revealed His secrets to Abraham as a reward for his faith and obedience. He highlights |