In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

ISAIAH 63:9KJV
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Isaiah 63:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 63:9 mean?

Isaiah 63:9 describes how God shared in the suffering of His people, sending the "angel of his presence" to save them, and acting out of love and compassion to redeem, support, and carry them throughout their history. The verse highlights God's deep involvement and care for Israel during times of trouble.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is recalling how God related to Israel in the past, especially during times of distress. Isaiah speaks to the people of Israel, reminding them that God was not distant or indifferent; instead, God felt their pain, acted to rescue them, and faithfully supported them through their journey as a nation.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 63:9

  • "Affliction" (צָרָה, tsarah) and "afflicted" (צַר, tsar) both come from words meaning distress or trouble, emphasizing that God was emotionally moved by Israel's hardships, not just observing from afar.
  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh) and "presence" (פָּנִים, panim) together refer to a special messenger or representative of God, often understood as a direct expression of God's presence and care, not just any angel.
  • "Redeemed" (גָּאַל, ga’al) means to act as a kinsman-redeemer, someone who rescues a relative from trouble; this word shows God’s personal commitment to Israel, like a family member stepping in to help.
  • "Bare" (נָטַל, natal) and "carried" (נָשָׂא, nasa) both picture God lifting up and supporting Israel, showing ongoing care and not just a one-time rescue.

Why Isaiah 63:9 matters

  • Isaiah 63:9 clears up the idea that God is distant or unfeeling; instead, the verse shows God as personally involved and emotionally invested in His people's suffering.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by recalling God’s faithful actions in Israel’s past, setting up a contrast with the people’s later rebellion and forgetfulness.
  • The language of carrying and redeeming highlights God’s role as both rescuer and sustainer, not just a judge or ruler, which shapes how readers understand God’s relationship with His people throughout the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“pity” Hebrew H2551 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

“bare” Hebrew H5190 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 24:12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.
  • Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
  • Lamentations 3:28 He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
  • Song of Solomon 7:6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!

“affliction” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
  • Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.