Isaiah 49:6
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Isaiah in the Bible speaks about the servant of the Lord who is called to a great task. The servant is not only tasked with raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the preserved of Israel but is also promised to be a light to the Gentiles. This means that the servant's mission extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to reach the ends of the earth, offering salvation to all people. The idea of being a light to the Gentiles symbolizes bringing the message of God's salvation and grace to all nations, not just to the chosen people of Israel. This verse highlights the universal nature of God's plan for salvation, encompassing all people regardless of their background or nationality. It emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of hope and redemption with the entire world, inviting everyone to partake in the promises of God.
Theological Overview
Isaiah 49:6 is a significant verse in the Old Testament that holds theological importance in the Christian faith. The verse speaks of the role of the servant of the Lord, who is entrusted with the task of not only raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the preserved of Israel but also being a light to the Gentiles. This can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring salvation not just to the people of Israel but also to the entire world. The word "light" used in this verse can be explored further in a word study, highlighting its symbolic significance in representing the guidance, truth, and salvation that the servant would bring to all nations. This verse emphasizes the universal nature of God's plan for salvation, extending beyond the borders of Israel to reach the ends of the earth, fulfilling the prophecy of a Messiah who would bring light to all nations.
Isaiah 49:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
World English Bible
yes, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.”
Douay-Rheims
And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And hee sayde, It is a small thing that thou shouldest be my seruaunt, to raise vp the tribes of Iaakob, and to restore the desolations of Israel: I will also giue thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou maiest bee my saluation vnto the ende of the worlde.