Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

ISAIAH 46:3KJV
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Isaiah 46:3 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 46:3 mean?

Isaiah 46:3 describes God calling out to the people of Israel, reminding them that He has cared for them since before their birth and has carried them from the very beginning of their existence. The verse emphasizes God’s ongoing, personal involvement with Israel as a nation, highlighting His role as their constant protector and sustainer.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the "house of Jacob" and the "remnant of the house of Israel," referring to the people descended from Jacob (Israel) who remain faithful or have survived hardship. The context is a message of reassurance during a time when Israel faced threats and uncertainty, stressing that God’s care for them is not new—it began even before they were a nation and continues through every stage of their history.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 46:3

  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ) means to listen attentively or obey. Here, God is not just asking for passive hearing but calling for active attention and response from His people.
  • "Remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, sheʾerit) refers to those who remain after a calamity or judgment. This word often carries the idea of a group preserved by God’s mercy, highlighting that even if most have fallen away, God still cares deeply for those who remain.
  • "Borne" (עָמַס, ʿamas) and "carried" (נָשָׂא, nasaʾ) both suggest the image of God lifting up, supporting, and sustaining Israel. The use of both words strengthens the idea that God’s care is active and ongoing, not just a one-time event.
  • "Belly" (בֶּטֶן, beten) and "womb" (רֶחֶם, rechem) point to the very beginning of life, underlining that God’s relationship with Israel started before their birth as a people.

Why Isaiah 46:3 matters

  • Isaiah 46:3 clears up any idea that God’s care for Israel is recent or conditional; it shows that His involvement is lifelong and foundational.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s relationship with His people is deeply personal, not just as a distant ruler but as one who has nurtured and carried them from the start.
  • In the wider passage, this reassurance sets up a contrast with idols, which cannot care for or carry anyone, highlighting the unique and living relationship between God and Israel.

Where else these words appear

“borne” Hebrew H6006 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 44:13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
  • Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

“womb” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Nehemiah 9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
  • Ezekiel 11:13 And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

“belly” Hebrew H990 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • Job 15:2 Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?
  • Proverbs 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.