Isaiah 44:21
Isaiah 44:21 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
Keep these things in mind, O Jacob; and you Israel, for you are my servant: I have made you; you are my servant; O Israel, I will not let you go out of my memory.
“Remember all this, Jacob and Israel, for you are my servant. I made you, Israel, you are my servant. I won't forget you.
Remember these (O Iaakob and Israel) for thou art my seruant: I haue formed thee: thou art my seruant: O Israel forget me not.
Remember these, O Jacob, and Israel, For My servant thou [art], I formed thee, a servant to Me thou [art], O Israel, thou dost not forget Me.
Remember these things, Jacob and Israel, for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten by me.
Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for thou art my servant. I have formed thee, thou art my servant, O Israel, forget me not.
Yahweh says, “You descendants of [MTY] Jacob, you people of Israel who should be serving me, I created you, and I will not forget you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 44:21
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 44:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זְכָר
אֵ֣לֶּה
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
כִּ֣י
עַבְדִּ/י
אָ֑תָּה
יְצַרְתִּ֤י/ךָ
עֶֽבֶד
לִ/י֙
אַ֔תָּה
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לֹ֥א
תִנָּשֵֽׁ/נִי
זְכָר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Conj | N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַבְדִּ/י
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יְצַרְתִּ֤י/ךָ
yâtsar
H3335
to form
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
עֶֽבֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִנָּשֵֽׁ/נִי
nâshâh
H5382
to forget
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 44:21
זְכָר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
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.
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Conj | 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.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַבְדִּ/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.
אָ֑תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
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.
יְצַרְתִּ֤י/ךָ
yâtsar
H3335
"to form"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
עֶֽבֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
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.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִנָּשֵֽׁ/נִי
nâshâh
H5382
"to forget"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To forget means to neglect or disregard something, like a memory or a responsibility. This verb is used in the Bible to describe human forgetfulness and God's remembering. It can also mean to remit or remove a debt or punishment.
Definition: 1) to forget, deprive 1a) (Qal) to forget 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to forget, allow to be forgotten
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: forget, deprive, exact. See also: Genesis 41:51; Isaiah 44:21; Jeremiah 23:39.
Study Notes — Isaiah 44:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 44:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:21
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
- Sermons on Isaiah 44:21
Context — Jerusalem to Be Restored
19And no one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, and I baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and I ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
20He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”
21Remember 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.
22I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. 23Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O depths of the earth. Break forth in song, O mountains, you forests and all your trees. For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and revealed His glory in Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Isaiah 49:15–16 | “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you! Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me. |
| 3 | Isaiah 43:15 | I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, and your King.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 46:8–9 | Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. |
| 5 | Zechariah 10:9 | Though I sow them among the nations, they will remember Me in distant lands; they and their children will live and return. |
| 6 | Isaiah 43:1 | Now this is what the LORD says— He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 32:18 | You ignored the Rock who brought you forth; you forgot the God who gave you birth. |
| 8 | Romans 11:28–29 | Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. |
| 9 | Isaiah 42:23 | Who among you will pay attention to this? Who will listen and obey hereafter? |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 4:23 | Be careful that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God that He made with you; do not make an idol for yourselves in the form of anything He has forbidden you. |
Isaiah 44:21 Summary
This verse is a reminder from God to His people, Israel, that they belong to Him and are His servants. Just like a master cares for his servants, God promises to never forget Israel, and to always be with them. This is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 28:20, where He promises to be with us always, even to the end of the age. We can trust in God's love and faithfulness, just as Israel can, and remember that we are His children, loved and cared for by Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a servant of God?
In Isaiah 44:21, God reminds Israel that they are His servants, meaning they are called to obey and follow Him, just as it is written in Jeremiah 31:33, where God says He will write His law on their hearts, and they will be His people.
Why does God say He will never forget Israel?
God's promise to never forget Israel is a demonstration of His faithfulness and love, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6, where He commands the Israelites to be strong and courageous, for He will never leave or forsake them.
How does this verse relate to our lives as believers today?
Just as God reminds Israel of their identity as His servants, we too can remember our identity in Christ, as adopted children of God, according to Ephesians 1:5, and live out our lives in obedience and devotion to Him.
What is the significance of God saying 'I have made you' in this verse?
When God says 'I have made you', He is emphasizing His role as Creator and our dependence on Him, just as it is written in Psalm 100:3, where we are reminded that we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can remember my identity as a servant of God, and live out my faith in obedience to Him?
- How can I trust in God's promise to never forget me, even when I feel forgotten or alone?
- What are some things in my life that I need to remember, just as God reminds Israel to remember their identity as His servants?
- How can I apply the truth of God's faithfulness and love to my life, and live with confidence and courage in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 44:21
Remember these, O Jacob, O Israel,.... Remember these persons, these idolaters before spoken of; or these things, the gross idolatries they were guilty of, and loath and abhor them, shun and avoid
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 44:21
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
Remember these; either these men; or, which comes to one, these things, the deep ignorance and stupidity of idolaters; which may be a warning to thee. Thou shalt not be forgotten of me; I will not forget nor forsake thee; and therefore thou shalt have no need of idols. Or, as the ancient interpreters and divers others render it, do not forget me; what I am, and what I have done, and can and will do, for thee; the forgetting whereof is the ready way to idolatry.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
Isaiah 44:21 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou [art] my servant: I have formed thee; thou [art] my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Ver. 21. Remember these, O Jacob and Israel,] i.e., Remember these abominable idolaters, and enjoy their madness: learn wisdom by their folly. Thou shalt not be forgotten of me.] Or, Forget me not, as some render it. Scultetus addeth that whereas many sacred sentences are written upon our walls, this ought to be written upon our hearts; O Israel, forget me not.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
(21) Remember these.—Better, these things—i.e., the whole argument against idolatry. In contrast with the blind worshippers of idols, Israel is addressed in its ideal character as the “servant of Jehovah” with all the emphasis of iteration. Thou shalt not be forgotten of me.—The LXX., Vulg., and some other versions take the verb as middle, thou shalt not forget, but the evidence for the passive sense preponderates, to say nothing of its greater fitness in connection with the next verse, and its bearing upon complaints like those of Isa 40:27; Isaiah 49:14.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 44:21
Ch. Isaiah 44:6-23. The Reality of Jehovah’s Godhead, evinced by His Predictions, and contrasted with the manifold absurdities of IdolatryThe passage, which is merely a restatement of ideas already expressed, consists of three divisions: i. Isaiah 44:6-8. A re-assertion and demonstration of the eternity and sole Divinity of Jehovah. ii. Isaiah 44:9-20. A fresh exposure—the most complete and remorseless that the book contains—of the irrationality of idol-worship. iii. Isaiah 44:21-23. An exhortation to the exiles to lay these truths to heart, and cleave to the God who forgives their sins and who alone can deliver. Isaiah 44:23 is a lyrical effusion, such as the thought of the redemption frequently calls forth from the prophet.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 44:21
Remember these - Remember these things which are now said about the folly of idolatry, and the vanity of worshipping idols.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 44:21
21. This sarcasm he turns into admonition of God’s people. For them chiefly he has drawn the foregoing picture, and from it he turns to the contrast. Remember these, O Jacob and Israel — Note your own condition in comparison.
Sermons on Isaiah 44:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Not Forgotten by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God will never forget His servants, as His love and commitment to them are eternal and unchanging. He reassures that despite human forgetfulness and b |
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O Israel, You Shall Not Be Forgotten of Me by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound truth that God has not forgotten His people, assuring them of His forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ. He highlights the relentle |
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Evening Thoughts - January by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness as we enter a new year, encouraging believers to trust in His unwavering support through life's uncerta |
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Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt4 by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher starts by asking for an extra 5 minutes to speak. He then describes a vision of radiant beings that will stand before people when they are judged by Go |
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Knowing God as Our Father - Inwardly (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as our Father and understanding His sovereignty. It highlights the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to truly e |
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Our Great Hight Priest by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the imperfections and struggles of our lives, comparing them to a car that is broken and failing. Despite our flaws, the preacher emphasize |
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A Marriage Changed by God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions and roles within marriage, highlighting the need to recognize and respect the differences between husband an |