Isaiah 43:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 43:18 mean?

Isaiah 43:18 tells the reader not to dwell on past events or focus on things that have already happened. The verse encourages looking beyond previous experiences and not letting former things define the present or future.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who have gone through difficult times, including exile and hardship. The message is given in a setting where the people might be tempted to look back, either with regret or nostalgia, but God is urging them to pay attention to what He is about to do next. The verse sets the stage for a new work or promise that God is preparing to reveal.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 43:18

• Remember (זָכַר, zakar, H2142): This word means to recall or bring to mind. Here, it is a command not to keep bringing up or focusing on earlier troubles or victories.
• Things (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon, H7223): This word refers to things that came before, the earlier events or situations. It emphasizes that the focus should not be on what has already taken place.
• Consider (בִּין, bin, H995): This word means to pay attention to, understand, or give thought to. The instruction is not to analyze or dwell on past matters.
• Old (קֶדֶם, qedem, H6931): This word points to things from long ago, ancient times, or former days. It highlights that even distant history should not distract from what is coming.

Why Isaiah 43:18 matters

• Isaiah 43:18 helps clear up the misunderstanding that faith is only about remembering the past; instead, it shows that God sometimes wants His people to focus on what He is doing now and in the future.
• The verse shifts the emphasis from nostalgia or regret to hope and expectation, preparing the reader for the new promises described in the following verses.
• Understanding this verse in context reveals that God’s relationship with His people is not limited to past events—He continues to act and bring about new things.