Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

ISAIAH 48:17KJV
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Isaiah 48:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 48:17 mean?

Isaiah 48:17 describes God speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them that He is their Redeemer and the Holy One who teaches them what is truly beneficial and leads them in the right direction. The verse emphasizes that God personally guides and instructs His people for their good.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is addressing the Israelites during a time when they were struggling with faithfulness and facing consequences for their choices. God identifies Himself with several titles—Redeemer, Holy One of Israel—to highlight His authority and relationship with them. The verse reassures the people that God’s guidance is meant to help them thrive and find the right path, not just spiritually but in all aspects of life.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 48:17

  • "Redeemer" (גֹּאֵל, go'el) means someone who rescues or buys back, often used for a family member who restores or protects relatives. Here, it stresses God’s personal commitment to Israel’s well-being.
  • "Teacheth" (לָמַד, lamad) means to instruct or train, not just give information but to shape someone’s understanding and habits. The word suggests an ongoing, caring process.
  • "Profit" (יָעַל, ya'al) means to benefit or gain. God is not just teaching for knowledge’s sake, but for the real, practical good of the people.
  • "Leadeth" (דָּרַךְ, darak) means to guide or show the way, often used for someone walking ahead to show the safest or best route. This highlights God’s active role in directing Israel’s journey.

Why Isaiah 48:17 matters

  • Isaiah 48:17 clears up the idea that God’s commands are only about rules; instead, God’s teaching is for the people’s true benefit and well-being.
  • The verse highlights God’s personal involvement with Israel, not as a distant ruler but as a Redeemer and teacher who cares about their daily lives.
  • In the wider context of Isaiah 48, this verse reassures the people that even after failure and exile, God remains committed to leading and restoring them if they listen to His guidance.

Where else these words appear

“profit” Hebrew H3276 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 12:21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.
  • Proverbs 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
  • Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

“leadeth” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

“teacheth” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
  • Proverbs 5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

“Redeemer” Hebrew H1350 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
  • Joshua 20:3 That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
  • Isaiah 35:9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: