Isaiah 49:21
Isaiah 49:21 in Multiple Translations
Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’”
Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?
Then shalt thou say in thy heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they?
Then you will say in your heart, Who has given me all these children? when my children had been taken from me, and I was no longer able to have others, who took care of these? when I was by myself, where then were these?
Then you will say to yourself, “Who gave birth to all these children for me? My children were killed and I was unable to have more; I was exiled and thrown aside—so who brought these children up? Look, I was abandoned, so where did they come from?”
Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten mee these, seeing I am baren and desolate, a captiue and a wanderer to and from? and who hath nourished them? beholde, I was left alone: whence are these?
And thou hast said in thy heart: 'Who hath begotten for me — these? And I bereaved and gloomy, A captive, and turned aside, And these — who hath nourished? Lo, I — I was left by myself, these — whence [are] they?
Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has conceived these for me, since I have been bereaved of my children and am alone, an exile, and wandering back and forth? Who has brought these up? Behold, I was left alone. Where were these?’”
Then shalt thou say in thy heart, Who hath begotten these for me, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where have they been ?
And thou shalt-say in thy heart: Who hath begotten these? I was barren and brought not forth, led away, and captive: and who hath brought up these? I was destitute and alone: and these, where were they?
Then you will think to yourselves [MTY], ‘It is amazing that we have [RHQ] all these children! Most of our children were dead, and the rest were exiled. We were left here alone; so we do not know [RHQ] where all these children have come from! Who raised them?' ”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 49:21
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 49:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתְּ
בִּ/לְבָבֵ֗/ךְ
מִ֤י
יָֽלַד
לִ/י֙
אֶת
אֵ֔לֶּה
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
שְׁכוּלָ֖ה
וְ/גַלְמוּדָ֑ה
גֹּלָ֣ה
וְ/סוּרָ֗ה
וְ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
מִ֣י
גִדֵּ֔ל
הֵ֤ן
אֲנִי֙
נִשְׁאַ֣רְתִּי
לְ/בַדִּ֔/י
אֵ֖לֶּה
אֵיפֹ֥ה
הֵֽם
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתְּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
בִּ/לְבָבֵ֗/ךְ
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָֽלַד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
שְׁכוּלָ֖ה
shâkôl
H7921
be bereaved
Adj
וְ/גַלְמוּדָ֑ה
galmûwd
H1565
solitary
Conj | Adj
גֹּלָ֣ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Qal
וְ/סוּרָ֗ה
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | Adj
וְ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
גִדֵּ֔ל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אֲנִי֙
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
נִשְׁאַ֣רְתִּי
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
לְ/בַדִּ֔/י
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
אֵיפֹ֥ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
where?
Part
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 49:21
וְ/אָמַ֣רְתְּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-2fs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בִּ/לְבָבֵ֗/ךְ
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָֽלַד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֵ֔לֶּה
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.
וַ/אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | 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.
שְׁכוּלָ֖ה
shâkôl
H7921
"be bereaved"
Adj
Barrenness refers to the inability to have children. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who has lost a child or is unable to conceive, like Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:5-6.
Definition: 1) to be bereaved, make childless, miscarry 1a) (Qal) to be bereaved 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make childless 1b2) to cause barrenness, show barrenness or abortion 1b3) to miscarry 1c) (Hiphil) miscarrying (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: bereave (of children), barren, cast calf (fruit, young), be (make) childless, deprive, destroy, [idiom] expect, lose children, miscarry, rob of children, spoil. See also: Genesis 27:45; Isaiah 49:21; Jeremiah 15:7.
וְ/גַלְמוּדָ֑ה
galmûwd
H1565
"solitary"
Conj | Adj
A desolate or barren place, or a person who is sterile, is described with this word. It can also mean harsh or bleak, like a lonely landscape. This concept is found in the Bible's descriptions of wilderness areas.
Definition: 1) hard, barren, harsh, bleak 1a) harsh, bleak (of a company of wicked men) 1b) barren (of women)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: desolate, solitary. See also: Job 3:7; Job 30:3; Isaiah 49:21.
גֹּלָ֣ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
וְ/סוּרָ֗ה
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | Adj
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
וְ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | 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.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
גִדֵּ֔ל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
הֵ֤ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אֲנִי֙
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.
נִשְׁאַ֣רְתִּי
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
לְ/בַדִּ֔/י
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
אֵ֖לֶּה
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.
אֵיפֹ֥ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
"where?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like 'where', 'when', or 'how'. It is often translated as 'what manner' or 'where' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) where? 2) what kind?
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what manner, where. See also: Genesis 37:16; Job 4:7; Isaiah 49:21.
הֵֽם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
Study Notes — Isaiah 49:21
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- Sermons on Isaiah 49:21
Context — The Servant and Light to the Gentiles
19For your ruined and desolate places and your ravaged land will now indeed be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away.
20Yet the children of your bereavement will say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; make room for us to live here.’
21Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. So who has reared them? Look, I was left all alone, so where did they come from?’”
22This is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and raise My banner to the peoples. They will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. 23Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:13 | Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst. |
| 2 | Isaiah 3:26 | And the gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. |
| 3 | Lamentations 1:1–3 | How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become a widow. The princess of the provinces has become a slave. She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies. Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery; she dwells among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress. |
| 4 | Romans 11:11–17 | I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the first part of the dough is holy, so is the whole batch; if the root is holy, so are the branches. Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, |
| 5 | Isaiah 64:10 | Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. |
| 6 | Romans 11:24 | For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! |
| 7 | Isaiah 51:17–20 | Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of His fury; you who have drained the goblet to the dregs— the cup that makes men stagger. Among all the sons she bore, there is no one to guide her; among all the sons she brought up, there is no one to take her hand. These pairs have befallen you: devastation and destruction, famine and sword. Who will grieve for you? Who can comfort you? Your sons have fainted; they lie at the head of every street, like an antelope in a net. They are full of the wrath of the LORD, the rebuke of your God. |
| 8 | Isaiah 62:4 | No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. |
| 9 | Galatians 3:29 | And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. |
| 10 | Isaiah 60:15 | Whereas you have been forsaken and despised, with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age. |
Isaiah 49:21 Summary
Isaiah 49:21 is a beautiful picture of God's power to bring life and abundance out of seemingly hopeless situations. The mother in this verse is expressing wonder and gratitude at the many children she has been given, after being barren and alone. This verse reminds us that God is a God of abundance and provision, and that He can bring life and fruitfulness out of any situation, just like He did for Sarah in Genesis 21:1-8. As we trust in God's promises and wait on Him, we can experience the same kind of wonder and gratitude as the mother in Isaiah 49:21, and see God bring about His plans and purposes in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 49:21, and how does it relate to the surrounding verses?
Isaiah 49:21 is part of a larger passage that describes the restoration of Israel, where God promises to bring back the children of Israel and provide for them, as seen in Isaiah 49:19-20, and this verse is the mother's response to the abundance of children, wondering who has given them to her, as she was once barren and alone, much like the experience of Sarah in Genesis 21:1-8.
How does the mother in Isaiah 49:21 feel about her new circumstances, and what emotions is she experiencing?
The mother in Isaiah 49:21 is expressing shock, wonder, and possibly even confusion, as she says 'Who has begotten these for me?' and 'So who has reared them?', indicating that she is overwhelmed by the sudden change in her circumstances, from being bereaved and barren to having many children, similar to the emotions expressed by Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 after the birth of Samuel.
What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how does it relate to His promises to His people?
Isaiah 49:21 reveals God's character as a loving and providing Father, who keeps His promises to His people, even when they seem impossible, as seen in Isaiah 49:22-23, where God promises to lift up His hand to the nations and bring back the children of Israel, demonstrating His faithfulness and love, similar to His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.
How can this verse be applied to our lives today, and what encouragement can we draw from it?
This verse can be applied to our lives today by reminding us that God is a God of abundance and provision, and that He can bring life and fruitfulness out of seemingly barren and hopeless situations, as seen in Isaiah 49:21, and this encourages us to trust in His promises and wait on Him, even when our circumstances seem impossible, just like the psalmist in Psalm 27:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel barren or unfruitful, and how can I trust God to bring life and abundance to those areas?
- How can I, like the mother in Isaiah 49:21, respond with wonder and gratitude when God brings unexpected blessings into my life?
- What are some promises of God that seem impossible to me right now, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them, just like the mother in Isaiah 49:21?
- In what ways can I, like the mother in Isaiah 49:21, acknowledge my own limitations and weaknesses, and trust in God's power and provision to bring about His plans and purposes in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 49:21
Then shalt thou say in thine heart,.... In, a way of admiration, secretly within herself, astonished at the numerous crowds flocking in; who hath begotten me these?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 49:21
Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 49:21
Then shalt thou say, not without admiration, Who hath begotten me these? whence or by whom have I this numberless issue? Seeing I have lost my children; seeing it is not long since that I was in a manner left childless. Am desolate; without a husband, being forsaken by God, who formerly owned himself for my Husband, , and elsewhere. A captive, and removing to and fro; which condition is in many respects a great impediment to the procreation of children. Who hath brought up these? the same thing repeated again to express the miraculousness of this work, and the great surprisal of the Jews at it; which showeth that he speaks of the conversion of the Gentiles.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 49:21
Isaiah 49:21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where [had] they [been]?Ver. 21. Then shalt thou say in thine heart.] Est artificiosa fictio, et color rhetoricus. A captive, and removing to and fro.] The condition of God’ s Church on earth - to be afflicted and tossed from post to pillar, having no settled abode; as neither had the ark, but was transportative, till settled at length in Solomon’ s temple.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 49:21
(21) Who hath begotten me these . . .?—Better, who hath borne . . .? The widowed daughter of Zion cannot believe that these crowding children are her own, and asks, Who then is their mother? She, the widowed one, the prisoner, dragged hither and thither, could not claim them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 49:21
Verse 21. These, where had they been - "These then, where were they?"] The conjunction is added before אלה elleh, that is, ואלה veelleh. in thirty-two MSS. (nine ancient) of Kennicott's, and fifty-four of De Rossi's, and so the Septuagint, Chaldee, and Vulgate. See on Isaiah 49:12.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 49:21
21. Zion is bewildered at finding herself once more “a joyful mother of children” (Psalms 113:9). Who hath begotten] Rather, Who hath borne (in spite of the masculine gender of the verb). The peculiar figure is probably to be explained by the custom illustrated in Genesis 16:1 ff; Genesis 30:1 ff., &c. The exile was the time of Zion’s barrenness; the generation of Israelites that had grown up in a foreign land are regarded as not her natural children, although legally they belong to her, having been borne for her by a stranger. seeing I have lost &c.] seeing I am childless and unfruitful. The clause immediately following (which must be rendered exiled and put away) introduces a conception alien to the image of the verse. Zion herself was not “exiled” but “left alone,” when her children were taken from her. The words are wanting in the LXX. and may be a gloss. these, where had they been?] If this were the sense intended, the verb “had been” (or “were”) would probably require to have been expressed. But the question that Zion broods over is not where her children had been, but how she comes to have children at all, who are strangers to her. Render, therefore (with Dillmann), these, how (is it) with them? of what description are they?
(cf. Judges 8:18).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 49:21
Then shalt thou say in thine heart - Thou shalt wonder at the multitude, and shalt ask with astonishment from where they all come.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 49:21
21. Thou — Zion. Shalt… say — Namely, to herself, in absolute wonderment.
Sermons on Isaiah 49:21
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Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of surviving a car accident. The car was driving erratically in the rain and eventually rolled over, pinning the speaker' |
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Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-16 Incidents of the Providence of God by William MacDonald | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering demonic opposition while working on a commentary. They also recount a story of a young black man |
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William Edwy Vine by John Bjorlie | John Bjorlie preaches about the life and legacy of William Edwy Vine, the author of the Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Vine, unlike many detached scholars, was a pra |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
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The Reality of Hell by Don Perkins | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching about the reality of hell in churches. He prays for God to open the scriptures and help the congregation understa |
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Ignorant People by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of ignorance in his sermon 'Ignorant People,' arguing that while some may believe ignorance fosters devotion, the Bible clearly states it leads |
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Ignorance Is the Mother of Destruction by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that ignorance leads to destruction, citing Hosea 4:6 to illustrate that a lack of knowledge can render people unfit for salvation. He contrasts the notion |