Isaiah 43:4
New International Version
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.

New Living Translation
Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.

English Standard Version
Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.

Berean Standard Bible
Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.

King James Bible
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

New King James Version
Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

New American Standard Bible
“Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other people in your place and other nations in exchange for your life.

NASB 1995
“Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.

NASB 1977
“Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.

Legacy Standard Bible
Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.

Amplified Bible
“Because you are precious in My sight, You are honored and I love you, I will give other men in return for you and other peoples in exchange for your life.

Christian Standard Bible
Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life.

American Standard Version
Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.

Contemporary English Version
To me, you are very dear, and I love you. That's why I gave up nations and people to rescue you.

English Revised Version
Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honourable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men for thee, and peoples for thy life.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Since you are precious to me, you are honored and I love you. I will exchange others for you. Nations will be the price I pay for your life.

Good News Translation
I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor.

International Standard Version
Since you're precious in my sight and honored, and because I love you, I'm giving up people in your place, and nations in exchange for your life."

Majority Standard Bible
Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life.

NET Bible
Since you are precious and special in my sight, and I love you, I will hand over people in place of you, nations in place of your life.

New Heart English Bible
Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.

Webster's Bible Translation
Since thou hast been precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

World English Bible
Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you, therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Since you were precious in My eyes, "" You were honored, and I have loved you, "" And I appoint men in your stead, "" And peoples instead of your life.

Young's Literal Translation
Since thou wast precious in Mine eyes, Thou wast honoured, and I have loved thee, And I appoint men in thy stead, And peoples instead of thy life.

Smith's Literal Translation
From that thou wert precious in mine eyes, thou wert honored, and I loved thee: and I will give man instead of thee, and peoples instead of thy soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Since thou becamest honourable in my eyes, thou art glorious: I have loved thee, and I will give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Since then, you have become honorable in my eyes, and glorious. I have loved you, and I will present men on behalf of you, and people on behalf of your life.

New American Bible
Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you and nations in exchange for your life.

New Revised Standard Version
Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because you are precious in my sight, you have been honorable and I have loved you; therefore I have given men for your sake and nations for your life.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You are one who is precious in my eyes! You are glorious and I have loved you! I have given men in exchange for you, and peoples in exchange for your life!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Since thou art precious in My sight, and honourable, And I have loved thee; Therefore will I give men for thee, And peoples for thy life.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Since thou becamest precious in my sight, thou hast become glorious, and I have loved thee: and I will give men for thee, and princes for thy life.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Only Savior
3For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4Because you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life. 5Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west.…

Cross References
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Deuteronomy 7:7-8
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.

1 John 4:9-10
This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. / And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Psalm 139:17-18
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! / If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You.

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

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.”

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Malachi 1:2
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved,

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. / And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.


Treasury of Scripture

Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honorable, and I have loved you: therefore will I give men for you, and people for your life.

precious

Exodus 19:5,6
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: …

Deuteronomy 7:6-8
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth…

Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

thou hast been

Genesis 12:2
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Psalm 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

John 5:44
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

I Have

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Malachi 1:2
I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

life, or, person

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Appoint Exchange Eyes Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Instead Loved Nations Peoples Precious Sight Stead Value Wast
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Appoint Exchange Eyes Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Instead Loved Nations Peoples Precious Sight Stead Value Wast
Isaiah 43
1. The Lord comforts the church with his promises.
8. He appeals to the people for witness of his omnipotence
14. He foretells them the destruction of Babylon
18. And his wonderful deliverance of his people
22. He reproves the people as inexcusable














Because you are precious and honored in My sight
This phrase emphasizes the value and esteem God places on His people. In the context of Isaiah, God is speaking to Israel, His chosen nation. The term "precious" indicates a deep, intrinsic worth, akin to a treasured possession. Historically, Israel was chosen by God to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6), and this special status is reaffirmed here. The word "honored" suggests a position of dignity and respect, which God bestows upon His people. This reflects the covenant relationship established with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and continued through the patriarchs. Theologically, this can be seen as a type of the honor and value God places on all believers, who are considered His children (1 John 3:1).

and because I love you
God's love is the foundation of His relationship with Israel. This love is covenantal, unconditional, and steadfast, often described in the Hebrew Bible as "hesed," meaning loving-kindness or steadfast love. This love is not based on Israel's merit but on God's character and promises (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). The love of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament with the sacrificial love of Christ (John 3:16). This phrase underscores the personal and relational nature of God's love, which is both intimate and enduring.

I will give men in exchange for you
This phrase suggests a substitutionary act where God is willing to sacrifice others for the sake of His people. Historically, this can be seen in the context of the Persian conquest, where God used Cyrus to deliver Israel from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 45:1-4). Theologically, this foreshadows the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the redemption of humanity (Mark 10:45). The concept of substitution is a key element in the doctrine of atonement, where Christ takes the place of sinners.

and nations in place of your life
This part of the verse highlights the lengths to which God will go to protect and preserve His people. In the historical context, this could refer to the geopolitical shifts where empires like Egypt and Cush were given over to the Persians, facilitating Israel's return from exile. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to orchestrate events for the benefit of His people. In a broader theological sense, it points to the idea that God values His covenant people so highly that He will move entire nations for their sake. This can be seen as a type of the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who secures eternal life for believers through His death and resurrection (Romans 5:8-9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of God's people.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Isaiah is speaking. In this context, Israel represents God's chosen people, whom He has redeemed and called by name.

3. God (Yahweh)
The speaker in this passage, expressing His deep love and commitment to His people, Israel.

4. Nations
Refers to the surrounding nations that God would give in exchange for the safety and redemption of Israel.

5. Exile and Redemption
The historical context involves the Babylonian exile and the promise of redemption and return to the land.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Value in God's Eyes
Recognize that God sees us as precious and honored, not because of our deeds, but because of His love and grace.

God's Love is Sacrificial
Reflect on the depth of God's love, which is willing to make great sacrifices for our redemption and well-being.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trust that God is in control and will move nations and circumstances for the good of His people.

Identity in Christ
Embrace your identity as a beloved child of God, chosen and set apart for His purposes.

Responding to God's Love
Live a life of gratitude and obedience, responding to God's love by loving others and sharing the message of redemption.Verse 4. - Since thou wast precious. "Since" probably means "from the time that" (LXX., ἀφ οῦ), not "because," as Delitzsch and Mr. Cheyne render. Israel became "precious" from the time that the promise was given to Jacob that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed (Genesis 28:14). Thenceforward God placed the interests of Israel above those of "men" generally, and markedly above those of any other "people." People; rather, peoples - as Mizraim, Cush, Seba (ver. 3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Because
מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר (mê·’ă·šer)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you are precious
יָקַ֧רְתָּ (yā·qar·tā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3365: To be heavy, valuable, to make rare

and honored
נִכְבַּ֖דְתָּ (niḵ·baḏ·tā)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

in My sight,
בְעֵינַ֛י (ḇə·‘ê·nay)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and [because] I
וַאֲנִ֣י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

love you,
אֲהַבְתִּ֑יךָ (’ă·haḇ·tî·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

I will give
וְאֶתֵּ֤ן (wə·’et·tên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

men
אָדָם֙ (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

in exchange for you
תַּחְתֶּ֔יךָ (taḥ·te·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

and nations
וּלְאֻמִּ֖ים (ū·lə·’um·mîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3816: A community

in place of
תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

your life.
נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃ (nap̄·še·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:4 Since you have been precious and honored (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 43:3
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