And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

ISAIAH 46:4KJV
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Isaiah 46:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 46:4 mean?

Isaiah 46:4 promises that God remains the same throughout a person’s entire life, even into old age, and that He will continue to support, carry, and rescue those He has created. The verse emphasizes God’s ongoing commitment to care for His people from beginning to end, no matter how much time passes.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, who are facing uncertainty and the threat of exile. The verse reassures them that, unlike idols that cannot help, God Himself has made them and will personally sustain and deliver them throughout all stages of life. The focus is on God’s unchanging nature and His personal involvement in the lives of His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 46:4

  • The word for "age" (זֹקֶן, zoqen) refers specifically to old age, highlighting that God’s care extends even into the later years of life, not just youth or strength.
  • The word for "hairs" (שֵׂיבָה, seivah) literally means gray or white hair, a symbol of advanced age, making the promise very concrete and personal.
  • The word for "carry" (נָשָׂא, nasa) is used twice, and it means to lift up or bear a burden. This stresses that God is not distant but actively supports and sustains His people.
  • The word for "deliver" (מָלַט, malat) means to rescue or save, emphasizing that God’s help is not just passive support but active intervention when needed.

Why Isaiah 46:4 matters

  • Isaiah 46:4 clears up the idea that God’s care is only for the young or strong; it specifically includes the elderly and those who feel weak or forgotten.
  • The verse contrasts God’s living, personal involvement with the lifeless idols mentioned earlier in the chapter, which cannot help or save anyone.
  • This promise ties into the larger message of Isaiah 46, where God reassures His people that He alone is able to save and sustain them, no matter what challenges or changes they face.

Where else these words appear

“age” Hebrew H2209 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 24:36 And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.
  • 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • Psalms 71:9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

“carry” Hebrew H5445 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 49:15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
  • Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

“hairs” Hebrew H7872 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Deuteronomy 32:25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
  • Job 41:32 He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.

“deliver” Hebrew H4422 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand.
  • Isaiah 37:38 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.