Isaiah 43:6 Meaning and Explanation
“I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands all nations (north and south) to release Israel and bring His people home from every corner of the earth.
The Context of Isaiah 43:6
God's direct command to all peoples to release and return Israel's scattered members.
What Does Isaiah 43:6 Mean?
God speaks directly to the nations as if they are subject to His will. 'North' and 'south' represent all powers and directions. The imperatives 'Give up' and 'Keep not back' assert God's sovereignty: the nations do not choose whether to release Israel; they will obey. This recalls how God's word came to pass in releasing Israel from Egypt.
Israel is called 'my sons' and 'my daughters,' emphasizing family relationship and equality of valuation. 'Far' and 'ends of the earth' reinforce the totality of the promise. No child of Israel, however remote, is beyond God's intention to gather. This includes the young, the vulnerable, and those born in exile who may have no memory of the land.
Isaiah 43:6 in the Original Language
banim (בָּנִים), 'sons' — here used inclusively for all children of Israel, both male and female (paired with 'daughters').
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 43:6
What does Isaiah 43:6 mean?
God commands all nations (north and south) to release Israel and bring His people home from every corner of the earth.
What is the context of Isaiah 43:6?
God's direct command to all peoples to release and return Israel's scattered members.