Isaiah 43:6
New International Version
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

New Living Translation
I will say to the north and south, ‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth.

English Standard Version
I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,

Berean Standard Bible
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth—

King James Bible
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

New King James Version
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth—

New American Standard Bible
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

NASB 1995
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

NASB 1977
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

Legacy Standard Bible
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from afar And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

Amplified Bible
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring My sons from far way And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

Christian Standard Bible
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up! ’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back! ’ Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will say to the north: Give them up! and to the south: Do not hold them back! Bring My sons from far away, and My daughters from the ends of the earth—

American Standard Version
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;

Contemporary English Version
I will say to the north and to the south, "Free my sons and daughters! Let them return from distant lands.

English Revised Version
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not keep them." Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the ends of the earth.

Good News Translation
I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world.

International Standard Version
I'll say to the north, 'Give them up'! and to the south, 'Don't keep them back!' Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

Majority Standard Bible
I will say to the north, ?Give them up!? and to the south, ?Do not hold them back!? Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth?

NET Bible
I will say to the north, 'Hand them over!' and to the south, 'Don't hold any back!' Bring my sons from distant lands, and my daughters from the remote regions of the earth,

New Heart English Bible
I will tell the north, 'Give them up.' and tell the south, 'Do not hold them back. Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the farthest parts of the earth--

Webster's Bible Translation
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

World English Bible
I will tell the north, ‘Give them up!’ and tell the south, ‘Don’t hold them back! Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I am saying to the north, “Give up,” "" And to the south, “Do not restrain.” Bring in My sons from afar, "" And My daughters from the end of the earth.

Young's Literal Translation
I am saying to the north, 'Give up,' And to the south, 'Restrain not.' Bring in My sons from afar, And My daughters from the end of the earth.

Smith's Literal Translation
Say to the north, Thou shalt give, and to the south thou shalt not withhold: bring in my sons from far off, and my daughters from the extremities of the earth;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I will say to the north: Give up: and to the south: Keep not back: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I will say to the North, “Release him,” and to the South, “Do not turn him away.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.

New American Bible
I will say to the north: Give them up! and to the south: Do not hold them! Bring back my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth:

New Revised Standard Version
I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I shall say to the North, "Give to me”, and to the south, "You shall not withhold.” Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the ends of the Earth
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I will say to the north: 'Give up', And to the south: 'Keep not back, Bring My sons from far, And My daughters from the end of the earth;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I will say to the north, Bring; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from the land afar off, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Only Savior
5Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. 6I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— 7everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”…

Cross References
Jeremiah 31:8
Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly!

Zechariah 8:7-8
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west. / I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.”

Matthew 24:31
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Ezekiel 37:21-22
you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. / I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

Deuteronomy 30:3-4
then He will restore you from captivity and have compassion on you and gather you from all the nations to which the LORD your God has scattered you. / Even if you have been banished to the farthest horizon, He will gather you and return you from there.

Isaiah 11:12
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will collect the scattered of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Isaiah 49:12
Behold, they will come from far away, from the north and from the west, and from the land of Aswan.”

Isaiah 60:4
Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm.

Isaiah 66:20
And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the LORD on horses and chariots and wagons, on mules and camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 107:3
and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Hosea 11:10-11
They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. / They will come trembling like birds from Egypt and like doves from the land of Assyria. Then I will settle them in their homes, declares the LORD.

Micah 4:6-7
“On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted. / And I will make the lame into a remnant, the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.

Luke 13:29
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.

John 11:52
and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one.

Acts 2:39
This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”


Treasury of Scripture

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

bring

Isaiah 18:7
In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion.

Jeremiah 3:14,18,19
Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: …

Hosea 1:10,11
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God…

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Afar Daughters Earth End Ends Far Hold North Restrain South Withhold
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














I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
This phrase reflects God's sovereign command over all nations and regions. The north often symbolizes areas of captivity, such as Assyria and Babylon, where the Israelites were exiled. Historically, the northern regions were significant as they were the direction from which many invasions came. This command signifies God's power to liberate His people from oppression and captivity, echoing themes of deliverance found throughout the Old Testament, such as the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:13-14).

and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’
The south likely refers to Egypt and other regions where Israelites were dispersed. This command complements the call to the north, emphasizing a complete and total gathering of God's people. The south, like the north, represents areas of dispersion and exile. This reflects the promise of restoration and return, similar to the return from Babylonian exile (Ezra 1:1-4). It underscores God's authority over all creation and His commitment to His covenant people.

Bring My sons from afar,
The term "sons" signifies the people of Israel, God's chosen nation. "From afar" indicates the widespread dispersion of the Israelites among the nations. This phrase highlights the inclusivity of God's redemption plan, not limited by geographical boundaries. It also foreshadows the gathering of believers from all nations, as seen in the New Testament (Matthew 24:31), and points to the ultimate gathering of God's people in the eschatological future.

and My daughters from the ends of the earth—
"Daughters" complements "sons," emphasizing the inclusion of all God's people, regardless of gender. "From the ends of the earth" suggests the farthest reaches of the known world, indicating the extent of the diaspora. This phrase reinforces the theme of restoration and unity, as God promises to bring His people back from every corner of the earth. It also prefigures the global mission of the Church, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and the vision of a diverse multitude worshiping God in Revelation 7:9.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, declaring His sovereign will to gather His people.

2. North and South
Symbolic directions representing the entirety of the earth, indicating God's command over all creation.

3. Sons and Daughters
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen people, whom He promises to gather from all corners of the earth.

4. Ends of the Earth
A phrase indicating the farthest reaches of the world, emphasizing the universality of God's gathering.

5. Isaiah
The prophet through whom God delivers this message, serving as a mouthpiece for divine revelation.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God has absolute authority over all creation, commanding even the directions to release His people.

Divine Promise of Restoration
God's commitment to gather His people demonstrates His faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.

Inclusivity of God's Call
The gathering from the "ends of the earth" signifies that God's call extends to all His people, regardless of their location.

Hope in Exile
For those feeling distant or exiled, this verse offers hope of return and restoration through God's intervention.

Mission and Evangelism
As God gathers His people, believers are reminded of their role in sharing the gospel to reach the "ends of the earth."(6) Bring my sons . . .--The words imply an escort of honour, given by the heathen nations to the returning exiles.

Verse 6. - Bring my sons. The nations are called upon, not merely to "let Israel go," but to conduct and escort them from the places of their abode to their own country. (On the need of such escort, see Ezra 8:22, 31. On the actual furnishing of an escort in one case by a Persian king, see Nehemiah 2:7, 8.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will say
אֹמַ֤ר (’ō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to the north,
לַצָּפוֹן֙ (laṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

‘Give them up!’
תֵּ֔נִי (tê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

and to the south,
וּלְתֵימָ֖ן (ū·lə·ṯê·mān)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8486: South, south wind

‘Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

hold them back!’
תִּכְלָ֑אִי (tiḵ·lā·’î)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 3607: To shut up, restrain, withhold

Bring
הָבִ֤יאִי (hā·ḇî·’î)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

My sons
בָנַי֙ (ḇā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

from afar,
מֵרָח֔וֹק (mê·rā·ḥō·wq)
Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious

and My daughters
וּבְנוֹתַ֖י (ū·ḇə·nō·w·ṯay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

from the ends
מִקְצֵ֥ה (miq·ṣêh)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

of the earth—
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:6 I will tell the north 'Give them (Isa Isi Is)
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