Isaiah 44:1 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 44:1 mean?

Isaiah 44:1 opens a message from God to the people of Israel. After the judgment described just before, God calls the people to listen and addresses them as his servant and as the people he has chosen.

“Jacob” and “Israel” are two names for the same people. The names recall their ancestor Jacob, who was also called Israel. The verse begins an address that continues in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 44:1

• “hear” — שָׁמַע (shamaʿ): This word can mean to listen or pay attention. Here it is a call to attend to the message that follows, not merely to notice a sound.
• “servant” — עֶבֶד (ʿeved): This word refers to someone who serves another. In this verse, the title describes Jacob’s people in relation to God.
• “chosen” — בָּחַר (bachar): This word means to select or choose. The wording presents Israel as a people God has deliberately selected.

Why Isaiah 44:1 matters

• The change in tone is important. After the harsh words at the end of Isaiah 43, “Yet now” introduces a fresh address to the people.
• “My servant” and “whom I have chosen” are spoken to the same group. The two phrases describe how God addresses the people named as Jacob and Israel.
• The call to listen prepares for a longer message. Verse 2 continues with God’s words to the same people, and verses 3–5 develop what he promises them.