Isaiah 49:6
New International Version
he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

New Living Translation
He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

English Standard Version
he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Berean Standard Bible
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

King James Bible
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

New King James Version
Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

New American Standard Bible
He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the protected ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

NASB 1995
He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

NASB 1977
He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Legacy Standard Bible
He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to cause the preserved ones of Israel to return; I will also give You as a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Amplified Bible
He says, “It is too trivial a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will also make You a light to the nations That My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Christian Standard Bible
he says, “It is not enough for you to be my servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He says,” It is not enough for you to be My Servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

American Standard Version
yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Contemporary English Version
Now the LORD says to me, "It isn't enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth."

English Revised Version
yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, the Lord says, "You are not just my servant who restores the tribes of Jacob and brings back those in Israel whom I have preserved. I have also made you a light for the nations so that you would save people all over the world."

Good News Translation
The LORD said to me, "I have a greater task for you, my servant. Not only will you restore to greatness the people of Israel who have survived, but I will also make you a light to the nations--so that all the world may be saved."

International Standard Version
he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Israel and bring back those of Jacob I have preserved. I'll also make you as a light to the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.

Majority Standard Bible
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

NET Bible
he says, "Is it too insignificant a task for you to be my servant, to reestablish the tribes of Jacob, and restore the remnant of Israel? I will make you a light to the nations, so you can bring my deliverance to the remote regions of the earth."

New Heart English Bible
And he says, "Is it too insignificant a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the remnant of Israel? I will also give you as a light to the nations, that you may bring salvation to the farthest part of the earth."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation to the end of the earth.

World English Bible
Indeed, he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He says, “It has been a light thing "" That You are My Servant "" To raise up the tribes of Jacob, "" And to bring back the preserved of Israel, "" And I have given You for a light to the nations, "" To be My salvation to the end of the earth.”

Young's Literal Translation
And He saith, 'It hath been a light thing That thou art to Me for a servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And the preserved of Israel to bring back, And I have given thee for a light of nations, To be My salvation unto the end of the earth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, It was light thou being to me a servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to turn back the preserved of Israel: and I gave thee for a light of the nations to be my salvation even to the extremity of the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and so he has said: “It is a small thing that you should be my servant so as to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and so as to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have offered you as a light for the Gentiles, so that you may be my salvation, even to the furthest regions of the earth.”

New American Bible
It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

New Revised Standard Version
he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said: It is a small thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the scions of Israel; I have given you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you might be my salvation to the ends of the earth.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said: “Is it a small thing that you shall be a Servant to me, and you shall raise the tribes of Yaqob and you shall return the grafting of Israel? I have given you a light for the nations that you may be my salvation unto the ends of the Earth”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Yea, He saith: 'It is too light a thing that thou shouldest be My servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the offspring of Israel; I will also give thee for a light of the nations, That My salvation may be unto the end of the earth.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to me, It is a great thing for thee to be called my servant, to establish the tribes of Jacob, and to recover the dispersion of Israel: behold, I have given thee for the covenant of a race, for a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation to the end of the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
You are My Servant
5And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, that Israel might be gathered to Him—for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and My God is My strength— 6He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” 7Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.”…

Cross References
Acts 13:47
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Luke 2:32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

Acts 26:23
that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 1:4-9
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. / There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. ...

Revelation 21:24
By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.

Romans 15:8-12
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, / so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” / Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” ...

Matthew 12:18-21
“Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. / He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory. ...

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.

Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Psalm 22:27
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

Psalm 98:2-3
The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations. / He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.


Treasury of Scripture

And he said, It is a light thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.

It is a light thing that.

2 Kings 3:18
And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

2 Kings 20:10
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

preserved.

Isaiah 42:6
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isaiah 60:3
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Luke 2:32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

that thou mayest

Isaiah 11:10
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Isaiah 24:14-16
They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea…

Isaiah 46:13
I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Jump to Previous
Earth End Ends Gentiles Israel Jacob Kept Light Mayest Nations Offspring Ones Preserved Raise Reach Restore Salvation Servant Shouldest Shouldst Small Tribes
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Earth End Ends Gentiles Israel Jacob Kept Light Mayest Nations Offspring Ones Preserved Raise Reach Restore Salvation Servant Shouldest Shouldst Small Tribes
Isaiah 49
1. Christ being sent to the Jews, complains of them
5. He is sent to the Gentiles with gracious promises
13. God's love is perpetual to his church
18. The ample restoration of the church
24. The powerful deliverance out of captivity














He says
This phrase introduces the divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "אָמַר" (amar), which is a common verb for "say" or "speak." It underscores the direct communication from God, highlighting the importance and certainty of the message that follows. This divine speech sets the tone for the mission and purpose of the Servant, who is understood in Christian theology as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ.

It is not enough
The phrase suggests that the initial task or mission is insufficient in scope. The Hebrew word "קָל" (qal) implies something that is light or trivial. This indicates that God's plan for His Servant extends beyond the immediate restoration of Israel. It reflects the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, which is not limited to a single nation but encompasses all humanity.

for you to be My Servant
The term "Servant" is significant in the context of Isaiah's prophecies. The Hebrew word "עֶבֶד" (eved) denotes a servant or slave, but in the context of Isaiah, it often refers to a chosen individual or group tasked with fulfilling God's purposes. In Christian interpretation, this Servant is seen as a messianic figure, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect obedience and service to God.

to raise up the tribes of Jacob
This phrase refers to the restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The Hebrew verb "קוּם" (qum) means "to rise" or "to stand," indicating a revival or re-establishment. Historically, this reflects the hope for the return and unification of the Jewish people after periods of exile and dispersion. Spiritually, it signifies the renewal of God's covenant people.

and restore the protected ones of Israel
The word "restore" comes from the Hebrew "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning "to return" or "to bring back." The "protected ones" or "preserved" (נִצּוּרִים, nitzurim) suggests those whom God has kept safe or set apart. This highlights God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people, ensuring the continuity of His promises despite adversity.

I will also make you a light for the nations
The imagery of "light" is powerful, symbolizing guidance, revelation, and hope. The Hebrew word "אוֹר" (or) conveys illumination and truth. This phrase expands the Servant's mission beyond Israel to include the Gentiles, reflecting God's universal plan of salvation. It aligns with the New Testament theme of Jesus as the "light of the world" (John 8:12).

to bring My salvation
The Hebrew word for "salvation" is "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), which denotes deliverance and victory. This phrase underscores the ultimate purpose of the Servant's mission: to bring God's saving grace to all people. It emphasizes the inclusivity of God's redemptive work, offering hope and deliverance to every nation and individual.

to the ends of the earth
This expression signifies the global scope of God's salvation plan. The Hebrew "קָצֶה" (qatseh) means "end" or "extremity," indicating the farthest reaches of the world. It reflects the prophetic vision of a time when God's kingdom will encompass all creation, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). This universal outreach is central to the Christian mission of evangelism and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

(6) And he said.--The words are repeated from "saith the Lord" of the preceding verse, where they had been followed by a long parenthesis. The Servant becomes conscious of a higher mission. All national barriers are broken down. He is to be the bearer of a message of peace to the whole race of mankind, and has "other sheep not of this fold" (John 10:16).

Verse 6. - It is a light thing. God rewards his servants according to their works. He is supremely just. He was not content that even Nebuchadnezzar should be insufficiently rewarded for the service that he rendered against Tyre (Ezekiel 29:18), and he therefore gave him Egypt in addition as his recompense (Ezekiel 29:20). It would have been "a light thing" - "too light a thing" (Kay, Cheyne) - to have rewarded the labours of Jesus with the conversion of the Jews only. God therefore gave him as his recompense the gathering in of the Gentiles also, and made him a means of salvation even to the uttermost ends of the earth. The preserved of Israel; i.e. the "remnant" that had not perished through previous judgments. I will also give thee for a Light to the Gentiles (comp. Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 34:1; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 55:5, etc.). Greeks Ἕλληνες were brought into contact with our Lord himself shortly before his crucifixion (John 12:20). He wrought a miracle for a Syro-Phoenician woman (Mark 7:25-30). His apostles, after a little time, understood that the gospel was for the world at large, and declared that in Christ there was no difference between Jew and Greek, nay! between Jew and barbarian. Christ had died for all - had come to be a Light to all, would have all come into his Church and obtain salvation through union with him. That thou mayest be my Salvation. Christ is called "Salvation," as the Bearer of salvation - he through whom alone can any man be saved (Acts 4:12). So he is called "Peace" (Micah 5:5), as the Giver of peace.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He says,
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“It is not enough
נָקֵ֨ל (nā·qêl)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling

for you to be
מִֽהְיוֹתְךָ֥ (mih·yō·wṯ·ḵā)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

My Servant,
עֶ֔בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

to raise up
לְהָקִים֙ (lə·hā·qîm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

the tribes
שִׁבְטֵ֣י (šiḇ·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Jacob,
יַעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

and to restore
לְהָשִׁ֑יב (lə·hā·šîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the protected
וּנְצוּרֵ֥י (ū·nə·ṣū·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5336: Conservative, delivered

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

I will also make
וּנְתַתִּ֙יךָ֙ (ū·nə·ṯat·tî·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

you a light
לְא֣וֹר (lə·’ō·wr)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary

for the nations,
גּוֹיִ֔ם (gō·w·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

that you may bring
לִֽהְי֥וֹת (lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

My salvation
יְשׁוּעָתִ֖י (yə·šū·‘ā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the ends
קְצֵ֥ה (qə·ṣêh)
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 49:6 Yes he says It is too light (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 49:5
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