Isaiah 49:1-4

New International Version

The Servant of the Lord

49 Listen^(A) to me, you islands;^(B)
    hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born^(C) the Lord called^(D) me;
    from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.^(E)
²He made my mouth^(F) like a sharpened sword,^(G)
    in the shadow of his hand^(H) he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow^(I)
    and concealed me in his quiver.
³He said to me, “You are my servant,^(J)
    Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.^(K)”
⁴But I said, “I have labored in vain;^(L)
    I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand,^(M)
    and my reward^(N) is with my God.”^(O)

Read full chapter

Isaiah 49:8

New International Version

Restoration of Israel

⁸This is what the Lord says:

“In the time of my favor^(A) I will answer you,
    and in the day of salvation I will help you;^(B)
I will keep^(C) you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people,^(D)
to restore the land^(E)
    and to reassign its desolate inheritances,^(F)

Read full chapter

Isaiah 49:8 in all English translations

Isaiah 49:13

New International Version

¹³Shout for joy,^(A) you heavens;
    rejoice, you earth;^(B)
    burst into song, you mountains!^(C)
For the Lord comforts^(D) his people
    and will have compassion^(E) on his afflicted ones.^(F)

Read full chapter

Isaiah 49:13 in all English translations

Isaiah 49:15-16

New International Version

¹⁵“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
    and have no compassion on the child^(A) she has borne?
Though she may forget,
    I will not forget you!^(B)
¹⁶See, I have engraved^(C) you on the palms of my hands;
    your walls^(D) are ever before me.

Read full chapter

Isaiah 49:23

New International Version

²³Kings^(A) will be your foster fathers,
    and their queens your nursing mothers.^(B)
They will bow down^(C) before you with their faces to the ground;
    they will lick the dust^(D) at your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;^(E)
    those who hope^(F) in me will not be disappointed.^(G)”