For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

ISAIAH 41:13KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:13 mean?

Isaiah 41:13 describes God personally reassuring His people that He is with them, promising to take hold of their right hand and telling them not to be afraid because He will help them. This verse emphasizes God’s nearness and active support in times of fear or trouble.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who are facing threats and uncertainty. The image of God holding their right hand is a picture of close guidance and protection. The verse is meant to comfort those who feel weak or anxious, reminding them that God Himself is their helper.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:13

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a covenant relationship and God’s faithfulness to His promises.
  • hold (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to grasp firmly or strengthen. The idea is not just a gentle touch but a strong, supportive grip, showing God’s active involvement.
  • hand (יָמִין, yamin): Refers specifically to the right hand, which in ancient cultures symbolized strength, skill, and favor. God holding the right hand suggests giving strength and honor.
  • help (עָזַר, azar): This word means to assist or come to someone’s aid. It stresses that God’s help is practical and effective, not just words of encouragement.

Why Isaiah 41:13 matters

  • Isaiah 41:13 clears up the idea that God is distant or uninvolved; the verse shows God’s presence as personal and hands-on.
  • The verse highlights that God’s help is not abstract—He promises real support and strength, especially when His people feel afraid or powerless.
  • In the wider context of Isaiah 41, this reassurance is part of God’s message to Israel that He alone is their true protector, in contrast to the powerless idols mentioned earlier in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“help” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 86:17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 108:6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.