Verse (Click for Chapter) 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." 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBecause 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. 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 VersionSince 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 BibleSince 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 BibleBecause 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 1917Since 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 Jump to Previous Appoint Exchange Eyes Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Instead Loved Nations Peoples Precious Sight Stead Value WastJump to Next Appoint Exchange Eyes Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Instead Loved Nations Peoples Precious Sight Stead Value WastIsaiah 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 I will give men in exchange for you and nations in place of your life Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA 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 EyesRecognize 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 43:4?2. How does Isaiah 43:4 demonstrate God's love and value for His people? 3. What actions can we take to reflect being "precious" and "honored" by God? 4. How does Isaiah 43:4 connect with John 3:16 about God's love? 5. In what ways can we apply being "loved" by God in daily life? 6. How does understanding Isaiah 43:4 strengthen your relationship with God? 7. How does Isaiah 43:4 demonstrate God's love for individuals? 8. What historical context surrounds Isaiah 43:4? 9. How does Isaiah 43:4 relate to the concept of redemption? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 43? 11. Isaiah 12:4: Is there any evidence outside of the Bible indicating that the deeds of the God of Israel were widely proclaimed among nations at that time? 12. Isaiah 2:4 predicts nations will cease to wage war; why has this peace not materialized across the globe? 13. Isaiah 18:4: How does the imagery of God quietly observing nations square with other passages where God is depicted as actively intervening? 14. What is calamus in the Bible? What Does Isaiah 43:4 Mean Because you are precious- God speaks to Israel, declaring their value. Deuteronomy 7:6 says, “The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession.” - To be “precious” means Israel is not merely useful but cherished. Psalm 135:4 affirms, “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His treasured possession.” - The Lord’s regard remains personal and affectionate; He does not call His people common or disposable. and honored in My sight - Honor here points to the dignity God bestows. 1 Samuel 2:30 reminds us, “Those who honor Me I will honor.” Israel is honored because God places His name on them (Isaiah 49:3). - God’s perspective—not human opinion—defines worth. When the Creator honors someone, no earthly evaluation can nullify that status (Romans 8:33). and because I love you - The driving motive is love. Jeremiah 31:3 records, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” - This covenant love is steadfast, not sentimental. It is the same love that later sends Jesus for the whole world (John 3:16), showing continuity between Old and New Testaments. I will give men in exchange for you - Earlier (Isaiah 43:3) God names Egypt, Cush, and Seba as ransoms. Historically He toppled these powers to free and preserve Israel (Exodus 14:30; Joshua 24:11-12). - Exchange language previews the ultimate substitution of Christ: “The Son of Man came…to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). - The Lord’s protective justice guarantees that nothing can remove His people from His plan (Isaiah 54:17). and nations in place of your life - God is willing to overturn empires to safeguard His covenant line. Isaiah 60:12 warns, “For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish.” - This demonstrates sovereignty over history; He raises and removes kingdoms for His redemptive purposes (Daniel 2:21). - Believers today see a parallel promise: though opposition arises, God preserves His people for eternal life (John 10:28-29). summary Isaiah 43:4 is a tender yet powerful declaration of God’s unwavering affection and protection for Israel. They are precious, honored, and loved—truths anchored not in their merit but in God’s sovereign choice. His commitment is so absolute that He will sacrifice other nations to keep His promise, foreshadowing the greater exchange of Christ’s life for ours. The verse invites us to rest in the certainty that the God who treasured Israel treasures all who belong to Him, guarding their lives and fulfilling every covenant word. 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 Becauseמֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר (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 Links Isaiah 43:4 NIVIsaiah 43:4 NLT Isaiah 43:4 ESV Isaiah 43:4 NASB Isaiah 43:4 KJV Isaiah 43:4 BibleApps.com Isaiah 43:4 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 43:4 Chinese Bible Isaiah 43:4 French Bible Isaiah 43:4 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:4 Since you have been precious and honored (Isa Isi Is) |
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