Isaiah 41:8
New International Version
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,

New Living Translation
“But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend,

English Standard Version
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;

Berean Standard Bible
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—

King James Bible
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

New King James Version
“But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.

New American Standard Bible
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,

NASB 1995
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,

NASB 1977
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend,

Legacy Standard Bible
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham My friend,

Amplified Bible
“But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The offspring of Abraham My friend,

Christian Standard Bible
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, My friend—

American Standard Version
But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,

Contemporary English Version
Israel, you are my servant. I chose you, the family of my friend Abraham.

English Revised Version
But thou, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"But you are my servant Israel, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the descendant of Abraham, my dear friend.

Good News Translation
"But you, Israel my servant, you are the people that I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham, my friend.

International Standard Version
"But as for you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I've chosen, the offspring of my friend Abraham—

Majority Standard Bible
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—

NET Bible
"You, my servant Israel, Jacob whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham my friend,

New Heart English Bible
"But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend,

Webster's Bible Translation
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

World English Bible
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you, O Israel, My servant, "" Jacob, whom I have chosen, "" Seed of Abraham, My lover,

Young's Literal Translation
-- And thou, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham, My lover,

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou, Israel, my servant Jacob whom I chose thee, the seed of Abraham my beloved:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But thou Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But you, O Israel, are my servant, O Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of my friend Abraham.

New American Bible
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, offspring of Abraham my friend—

New Revised Standard Version
But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But now, Israel, you are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham my friend, whom I have strengthened.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Now, Israel my Servant, Yaqob whom I have chosen, I have not rejected you, the seed of Abraham, my friend
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But thou, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The seed of Abraham My friend;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But thou, Israel, art my servant Jacob, and he whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraam, whom I have loved:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Help to Israel
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.…

Cross References
Genesis 12:1-3
Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 17:7
I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Genesis 22:17-18
I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

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.”

Deuteronomy 7:6-8
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. / The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. / But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

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?

Psalm 105:6-10
O offspring of His servant Abraham, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones. / He is the LORD our God; His judgments carry throughout the earth. / He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— ...

Psalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession.

Jeremiah 30:10
As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid.

Jeremiah 46:27-28
But you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid. / And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Matthew 1:1-2
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Luke 1:54-55
He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, / as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Luke 1:72-73
to show mercy to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, / the oath He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us

John 8:39
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.

Acts 3:25
And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’


Treasury of Scripture

But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

thou

Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Isaiah 44:1,2,21
Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: …

Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.

the seed

Matthew 3:9
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

John 8:33-44
They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? …

Romans 4:12,13
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised…

my friend

2 Chronicles 20:7
Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

John 15:14,15
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you…

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

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Abraham Chosen Descendant Descendants Friend Israel Jacob Lover Offspring Seed Servant
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Abraham Chosen Descendant Descendants Friend Israel Jacob Lover Offspring Seed Servant
Isaiah 41
1. God expostulates with his people, about his mercies to the church.
10. About his promises
21. And about the vanity of idols.














But you, O Israel
The phrase "O Israel" refers to the nation of Israel, the chosen people of God. The name "Israel" itself is significant, originating from the Hebrew "Yisra'el," meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God." This name was given to Jacob after he wrestled with the angel of the Lord (Genesis 32:28). Historically, Israel represents not just a nation but a people set apart for God's purposes. The use of "But you" indicates a contrast with the preceding verses, where God addresses the futility of idols and the nations that worship them. Here, God turns His attention to Israel, emphasizing their unique status and relationship with Him.

My servant
The term "servant" in Hebrew is "ebed," which implies a position of honor and responsibility. In the context of Isaiah, "My servant" is a title that denotes a special relationship with God, one of obedience and purpose. Israel, as God's servant, is called to be a light to the nations, reflecting God's glory and truth. This designation also foreshadows the role of the Messiah, the ultimate Servant of the Lord, who fulfills God's redemptive plan.

Jacob, whom I have chosen
"Jacob" is another name for Israel, emphasizing the personal and covenantal relationship God has with His people. The phrase "whom I have chosen" underscores the doctrine of divine election. In Hebrew, "chosen" is "bachar," indicating a deliberate and purposeful selection by God. This choice is rooted in God's sovereign will and love, not based on Israel's merit but on His covenant promises. Historically, Jacob's selection over Esau (Genesis 25:23) illustrates God's sovereign choice and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through a specific lineage.

descendant of Abraham
This phrase connects Israel to Abraham, the patriarch of the faith. Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. The Hebrew term for "descendant" is "zera," meaning seed or offspring, highlighting the continuity of God's promises through generations. God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) included promises of land, descendants, and blessing, which are foundational to Israel's identity and mission. This lineage signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His salvation history.

My friend
The designation of Abraham as "My friend" is profound, indicating an intimate and personal relationship with God. In Hebrew, the word for "friend" is "ahav," which can also mean beloved. This term reflects the deep love and mutual trust between God and Abraham. Abraham's faith and obedience earned him this unique title, as seen in James 2:23, where he is called "the friend of God." This relationship serves as a model for Israel and all believers, illustrating the potential for a close, personal relationship with the Creator through faith and obedience.

(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. 2Chronicles 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. . . .

Verses 8-20. - A PROMISE TO ISRAEL OF GOD'S PROTECTION AND SUPPORT THROUGH THE TROUBLOUS PERIOD THAT IS APPROACHING. Israel is assured

(1) of God's faithfulness (vers. 8, 9);

(2) of special divinely infused strength (ver. 10);

(3) of the infusion of weakness into their enemies (vers. 11, 12); . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But you,
וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

O Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

My servant,
עַבְדִּ֔י (‘aḇ·dî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֖ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

whom
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I have chosen,
בְּחַרְתִּ֑יךָ (bə·ḥar·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

descendant
זֶ֖רַע (ze·ra‘)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

of Abraham
אַבְרָהָ֥ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

My friend—
אֹהֲבִֽי׃ (’ō·hă·ḇî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 41:8 But you Israel my servant Jacob whom (Isa Isi Is)
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