Isaiah 43:18
Isaiah 43:18 in Multiple Translations
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.
¶ Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Give no thought to the things which are past; let the early times go out of your minds.
But don't dwell on the past; don't concentrate on what happened back then.
Remember yee not the former things, neither regard the things of olde.
Remember not former things, And ancient things consider not.
“Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
But do not think only about what happened in the past, long ago [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 43:18
BAB
Word Study
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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 43:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽל
תִּזְכְּר֖וּ
רִֽאשֹׁנ֑וֹת
וְ/קַדְמֹנִיּ֖וֹת
אַל
תִּתְבֹּנָֽנוּ
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּזְכְּר֖וּ
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
רִֽאשֹׁנ֑וֹת
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
וְ/קַדְמֹנִיּ֖וֹת
qadmôwnîy
H6931
eastern
Conj | Adj
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּתְבֹּנָֽנוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-r-Juss-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 43:18
אַֽל
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.
תִּזְכְּר֖וּ
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Juss-2mp
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
רִֽאשֹׁנ֑וֹת
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וְ/קַדְמֹנִיּ֖וֹת
qadmôwnîy
H6931
"eastern"
Conj | Adj
This word can mean something that is old or from an earlier time, or it can describe something that is located in the east. It is used in the Bible to talk about ancient things or people who lived before. The word can also mean 'eastern' or 'older'.
Definition: : eastern 1) former, ancient, eastern 1a) former, ancient 1b) eastern Also means: qad.mo.ni (קַדְמֹנִי ": older" H6931H)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: ancient, they that went before, east, (thing of) old. See also: 1 Samuel 24:14; Ezekiel 38:17; Isaiah 43:18.
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.
תִּתְבֹּנָֽנוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-r-Juss-2mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 43:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 43:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 43:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 43:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 43:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 43:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 43:18
Context — A Way in the Wilderness
16Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,
17who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.
19Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. 20The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 65:17 | For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 3:10 | Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 16:12 | Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 16:14–15 | Yet behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’ Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ For I will return them to their land that I gave to their forefathers. |
| 5 | Isaiah 46:9 | Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 8:2 | Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 7:18 | But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: |
| 8 | Jeremiah 23:7–8 | So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’ Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.” |
Isaiah 43:18 Summary
[This verse means that God wants us to focus on the present and future, rather than getting stuck in the past. He wants us to let go of negative memories and emotions, and to trust Him for the new things He is about to do in our lives, as seen in Isaiah 43:19. By doing so, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from walking with God, as stated in Psalm 32:2. As we look to God, we can trust that He will make a way for us, even in the wilderness, and provide for our needs, just as He promises in Isaiah 43:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to not call to mind the former things?
This means that God is instructing us to let go of past hurts, failures, and successes, and to focus on the present and future, as seen in Isaiah 43:18, where He says to pay no attention to the things of old, and instead look forward to the new things He is about to do, as stated in Isaiah 43:19.
Is God saying we should forget our past entirely?
No, God is not saying we should forget our past entirely, but rather, we should not let it define us or hold us back, as stated in Philippians 3:13-14, where Paul says to forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead.
How can we balance remembering the past with not calling to mind the former things?
We can balance remembering the past with not calling to mind the former things by remembering the good things God has done for us, such as in Psalm 103:2, where David remembers to not forget all the benefits of God, and using those memories to fuel our faith and trust in God, while letting go of negative memories and emotions that can hold us back.
What is the significance of not paying attention to the things of old in the context of Isaiah 43?
In the context of Isaiah 43, not paying attention to the things of old means that God's people are to look forward to the new things He is about to do, such as making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert, as stated in Isaiah 43:19-20, rather than getting stuck in the past and missing out on the new things God has in store for them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'former things' in my life that I need to let go of in order to move forward with God?
- How can I practically apply the principle of not calling to mind the former things in my daily life?
- What are some new things that God is doing in my life right now, and how can I cooperate with Him?
- What are some negative memories or emotions that I need to release to God, and how can I trust Him to heal and restore me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 43:18
Remember ye not the former things,.... Just now referred to, the bringing of Israel out of Egypt, and through the Red sea, and the drowning of Pharaoh and his army in it; for though these things were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 43:18
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
But although your former deliverance out of Egypt was in itself a most glorious work, which you ought always to remember and consider; yet this other work of your deliverance out of Babylon by Cyrus, and those blessings which shall follow upon it, and particularly that inestimable mercy of sending the Messiah, shall be so transcendent a layout, that, in comparison thereof, all your former deliverances are scarce worthy of your remembrance and consideration. Which exposition is confirmed by two parallel texts, ,15 23:7,8. From all which texts laid together, it appears that this latter deliverance, compared with that out of Egypt, is not to be confined to their freedom from the Babylonish captivity, but to be extended to the consequences of it, and especially to the redemption by Christ, because otherwise that Egyptian deliverance was more glorious and wonderful in many respects than the Babylonian.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
Isaiah 43:18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.Ver. 18. Remember ye not the former things,] sc., In comparison of those things I shall now do for you by Cyrus, but especially by Christ, who is that way in the wilderness, and that running rock.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
(18, 19) Remember ye not . . .—All the wonders of the great historic past of Israel were to be as nothing compared with the new manifestation of the power of Jehovah, which Isaiah sees as already dawning in the future. Shall ye not know it?—Better, Will ye not give heed to it?I will even make a way in the wilderness . . .—The literal and the spiritual senses melt into each other. The very beasts of the field shall lose their ferocity in the presence of the saints of God. For “dragons and owls,” read jackals and ostriches.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 43:18
18. Great as the wonders of the exodus were they shall be far surpassed by that which Jehovah is about to do. The verse resumes the opening clause of Isa 43:16. Remember ye not …] Cf. Jeremiah 16:14 f., Isaiah 23:7 f. It is not meant of course that the exodus shall be actually forgotten (see ch. Isaiah 46:9), but only that it shall no longer be the supreme instance of Jehovah’s redeeming power. former things … things of old] Cf. ch. Isaiah 46:9. Obviously the expression “former things,” so often used of past events predicted, here includes the remote incidents of the deliverance from Egypt.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 43:18
Remember ye not ... - So great and wonderful shall be God’s future interpositions in your behalf, that what he has done, great as that was, shall be comparatively forgotten.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 43:18
18. Remember ye not — An exhortation not to “remember” the fleeing dwellers, or that event, marvellous as that was: a more marvellous one is to come.
Sermons on Isaiah 43:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Faith in Practice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God speaks, His words have multiple applications and are true for anyone who believes them. He asserts that nothing in history, ph |
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A Sound Mind by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of encountering Jesus and how it can transform lives. He shares a story of a woman who had a troubled past and was rejected by socie |
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Getting Ready for God's New Thing by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is always doing something fresh and new. He urges the audience to wake up and not miss out on what God is doing in the land. The spe |
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When God Takes Away Familiar Things by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the danger of becoming too familiar and comfortable in our spiritual lives. He shares a story of a pastor who relied on a candy to determine t |
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God Has Prepared a Place for You by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah in the Bible. He highlights how the preaching of God's word can have a profound impact on people's lives, even those who |
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Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu |