Isaiah 43:3 For 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.

◄ Isaiah 43:3 ►

New International Version
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

New Living Translation
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

English Standard Version
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

Berean Standard Bible
For 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.

King James Bible
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

New King James Version
For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

New American Standard Bible
“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

NASB 1995
“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.

NASB 1977
“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I am Yahweh your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Amplified Bible
“For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt [to the Babylonians] as your ransom, Cush (ancient Ethiopia) and Seba [its province] in exchange for you.

Christian Standard Bible
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. I have given Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior, give Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place.

American Standard Version
For I am Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in thy stead.

Contemporary English Version
I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you. I gave up Egypt, Ethiopia, and the region of Seba in exchange for you.

English Revised Version
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Egypt is the ransom I exchanged for you. Sudan and Seba are the price I paid for you.

Good News Translation
For I am the LORD your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you. I will give up Egypt to set you free; I will give up Ethiopia and Seba.

International Standard Version
"I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Redeemer. And I've given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and the people of Seba in exchange for you.

Majority Standard Bible
For 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.

NET Bible
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer. I have handed over Egypt as a ransom price, Ethiopia and Seba in place of you.

New Heart English Bible
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Cush and Seba for thee.

World English Bible
For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For I—your God YHWH, "" The Holy One of Israel, your Savior, "" I have appointed Egypt your atonement, "" Cush and Seba in your stead.

Young's Literal Translation
For I -- Jehovah thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour, I have appointed Egypt thine atonement, Cush and Seba in thy stead.

Smith's Literal Translation
For I Jehovah thy God, the Holy One of Israel, saving thee: I gave Egypt expiating thee, Cush and Seba instead of thee.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I have given Egypt for thy atonement, Ethiopia and Saba for thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I have presented Egypt as your atonement, Ethiopia and Seba on your behalf.

New American Bible
For I, the LORD, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. I give Egypt as ransom for you, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

New Revised Standard Version
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; I gave Egypt for your sake, and Ethiopia and Sheba for you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because I AM LORD JEHOVAH your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt in exchange for you, and Kush and Sheba for your face

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
For I am the LORD thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour; I have given Egypt as thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, that saves thee: I have made Egypt and Ethiopia thy ransom, and given Soene for thee.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Israel's Only Savior
…2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 20:2
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Hosea 13:4
Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.

Psalm 106:21
They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt,

Isaiah 45:15
Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.

Isaiah 45:21
Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me.

Isaiah 49:26
I will make your oppressors eat their own flesh; they will be drunk on their own blood, as with wine. Then all mankind will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

Isaiah 60:16
You will drink the milk of nations and nurse at the breasts of royalty; you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 41:14
Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 44:6
Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.

Isaiah 44:24
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,

Deuteronomy 5:6
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Psalm 78:35
And they remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 50:34
Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.

Luke 1:47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

John 4:42
They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.”

Treasury of Scripture

For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior: I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for you.

the Holy One

Isaiah 30:11
Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

Isaiah 41:14
Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 45:15,21
Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour…

I gave

Exodus 10:7
And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

2 Chronicles 14:9-14
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah…

Proverbs 11:8
The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

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Appointed Atonement Cush Egypt Ethiopia Exchange Holy Israel Price Ransom Savior Saviour Seba Stead

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Appointed Atonement Cush Egypt Ethiopia Exchange Holy Israel Price Ransom Savior Saviour Seba Stead

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

Berean Study Bible

For I am the LORD your God
This phrase establishes the identity and authority of the speaker, Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and unchanging nature. "God" in Hebrew is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This introduction reassures the Israelites of God's sovereignty and His personal relationship with them as their protector and guide.

the Holy One of Israel
This title, "the Holy One of Israel," underscores God's purity, separateness, and moral perfection. "Holy" in Hebrew is "qadosh," meaning set apart or sacred. This designation is significant in the context of Israel's history, as it reminds them of God's unique relationship with them and His call for them to be a holy nation. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's frequent unfaithfulness.

your Savior
The term "Savior" in Hebrew is "moshia," which means deliverer or rescuer. This word highlights God's role in delivering Israel from bondage and danger, both physically and spiritually. Historically, this would remind the Israelites of their deliverance from Egypt and other instances of divine intervention. It also foreshadows the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ, who Christians believe fulfills this role as the Savior of all humanity.

I give Egypt for your ransom
The concept of "ransom" involves a price paid for liberation. In Hebrew, "ransom" is "kofer," which implies a substitutionary sacrifice. This phrase suggests that God values Israel so highly that He is willing to exchange other nations for their freedom. Historically, this could refer to the geopolitical shifts where God allowed other nations to be conquered or subdued for the sake of Israel's preservation and prosperity.

Cush and Seba in your place
Cush and Seba refer to regions in Africa, often associated with wealth and power. By mentioning these nations, God emphasizes the extent of His commitment to Israel. The historical context may involve alliances and conflicts where these nations were involved, illustrating God's providential control over world events for the benefit of His chosen people. This assurance would inspire confidence in God's protective care and His ability to orchestrate history for His purposes.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) I gave Egypt for thy ransom . . .--Speaking after the manner of men, the prophet paints Jehovah as surrendering Egypt and other kingdoms to the arms of Cyrus, as if they were a price paid to him for liberating the Jews of Babylon. Ethiopia (Heb., C-sh) may be taken of either the Asiatic or African people that bore that name--Seba as Meroe, between the Blue and White Nile, the modern Dar Sennar. Historically, the words find a fulfilment in the conquest of Egypt by Cambyses, who carried into effect his father's plans. For the thought of the "ransom" comp. Proverbs 11:8; Proverbs 21:18, and the next verse. As a man would sacrifice any number of slaves to ransom a son, so was it in Jehovah's dealings with His people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 3. - The Holy One of Israel (comp. Isaiah 41:14, 20, with the comment). Thy Saviour. He who had saved them front Pharaoh (Exodus 14:23-31), from Jabin (Judges 4.), from Midian (Judges 7.), from the Philistines (2 Samuel 8:1), from Zerah (2 Chronicles 14:9-15), from Sennacherib (Isaiah 37:36). The term is first used of God by David in 2 Samuel 22:3 and Psalm 106:21 (if that psalm be Davidical). It is also applied to God once in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 14:8), and once in Hosea (Hosea 13:4). With Isaiah, in these later chapters it is a favourite epithet, being used of God no fewer than eight times (see ver. 11; Isaiah 45:15, 21; Isaiah 47:15; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 60:16; Isaiah 63:8) With his eye fixed on the deliverance of Israel out of the double captivity of sin and of Babylon, he naturally had much before him this aspect of Jehovah. I gave Egypt for thy ransom, etc.; rather, I have given; that is to say, "In my counsels I have already assigned to the Persians, as compensation for their letting thee go free, the broad countries of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba." Even the latest date assigned by sceptical critics to "the Second Isaiah" would make this a most remarkable prophecy. Egypt was not reduced, nor was Ethiopia made tributary to Persia until several years after the death of Cyrus, whose son, Cambyses, effected the conquests about B.C. 527-6. Human foresight could not, in the lifetime of Cyrus, have predicted with any certainty what would be the result of collision between Egypt and Persia; much less could it have ventured on the improbable supposition that the remote Ethiopia would submit itself to the Achae-menisn yoke. Yet this was the result of the invasion of Cambyses, who made Egypt a Persian province, and forced the Ethiopians to submit to the payment of an annual tribute (see Herod., 3:97; 7:69). And Seba. If "Seba" is "the land of Meroe, which is enclosed between the White and Blue Niles" (Delitzsch), it may be questioned whether really this ever formed a portion of the Persian empire. But Isaiah has probably no very distinct knowledge of the geographical position of Seba, or of the relations between the Sabaeans and the rest of the Ethiopians. He couples the two together, both here and in Isaiah 45:14, as forming two portions of one nation. The subjection of the Ethiopians involves, in his eyes, the subjection of the Sabaeans. And we cannot say that he is wrong, since it is not at all clear that the Sabaeans were not generally spread through Ethiopia, or at any rate scattered in various parts of the country.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For
כִּ֗י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I [am]
אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

your God,
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

the Holy
קְד֥וֹשׁ (qə·ḏō·wōš)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6918: Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

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

your Savior;
מוֹשִׁיעֶ֑ךָ (mō·wō·šî·‘e·ḵā)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

I give
נָתַ֤תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

Egypt
מִצְרַ֔יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

[for] your ransom,
כָפְרְךָ֙ (ḵā·p̄ə·rə·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3724: A cover, a village, bitumen, the henna plant, a redemption-price

Cush
כּ֥וּשׁ (kūš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3568: A son of Ham, also his descendants, also a land in the southern Nile Valley

and Seba
וּסְבָ֖א (ū·sə·ḇā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5434: Seba -- son of Cush, also his descendants and their land

in your place.
תַּחְתֶּֽיךָ׃ (taḥ·te·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 43:3 For I am Yahweh your God (Isa Isi Is)