What does Isaiah 42:6-7 mean?
"I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." - Isaiah 42:6-7

The Bible verse Isaiah 42:6-7 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."
In this verse, the Lord is speaking to the Messiah, prophesying about the role and mission that Jesus Christ would fulfill. The passage emphasizes the divine calling and purpose of the Messiah, as well as the way in which he will bring about redemption, restoration, and salvation for all people.
The theme of righteousness is a prominent aspect of this passage. The Lord declares that he has called the Messiah in righteousness, indicating that the Messiah's mission is grounded in justice, holiness, and faithfulness to God's will. This theme reinforces the idea that the Messiah's work is in accordance with God's divine plan and is marked by integrity and moral uprightness.
The imagery of the Lord holding the Messiah's hand and keeping him conveys a sense of protection, guidance, and support. It suggests that the Messiah is entrusted into the care of the Lord, who will ensure his safety and success in carrying out his mission. This imagery also reflects the intimate relationship between the Messiah and God, highlighting their profound connection and mutual reliance.
Furthermore, the verse speaks of the Messiah being given as a covenant of the people and a light to the Gentiles. This indicates that the Messiah's role is not limited to a particular group but extends to all humanity. He is appointed to establish a new covenant – a binding agreement or promise – with the people, offering them reconciliation with God and the hope of salvation. Additionally, the Messiah is described as a light to the Gentiles, symbolizing his role in illuminating the way to God and bringing spiritual enlightenment to those outside of the Jewish faith.
The passage goes on to describe the transformative work of the Messiah, using powerful and evocative imagery. The Messiah is depicted as opening the blind eyes, bringing out the prisoners from their confinement, and leading those who sit in darkness out of the prison house. These metaphors convey the Messiah's ability to bring about spiritual awakening, liberation from bondage, and deliverance from the ignorance and despair that characterize the human condition. This imagery underscores the redemptive and transformative nature of the Messiah's mission, emphasizing his power to bring about profound and positive change in the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
In the context of the book of Isaiah, this passage is part of a larger compilation of prophecies that anticipate the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Isaiah, often referred to as the "fifth gospel," contains numerous prophecies about the promised Savior and the future redemption of God's people. In this particular passage, Isaiah emphasizes the universal scope of the Messiah's mission, addressing not only the Jewish people but also the Gentiles, and highlighting the profound impact of his redemptive work.
Overall, Isaiah 42:6-7 from the King James Version (KJV) is a powerful and profound declaration of the divine calling, mission, and transformative impact of the Messiah. It conveys themes of righteousness, divine protection, universal salvation, and the Messiah's ability to bring about spiritual awakening and liberation. As such, this verse serves as a testament to the redemptive and transformative power of Jesus Christ, offering hope and inspiration to believers of all generations.
Have questions about Isaiah 42:6-7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 42:6-7 Artwork
Isaiah 42:6-7 - "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." - Isaiah 42:6-7
Isaiah 42:7 - "To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house."
Isaiah 42:6 - "I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;"
isaiah 6:7
isaiah 6:7
Isaiah 6:4-7
Psalm 42:7
"To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." - Isaiah 42:7
Isaiah 42:20 - "Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not."
Isaiah 42:18 - "Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see."
Nehemiah 7:42 - "The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen."
isaiah 42 Israel's Failure to Profit from Discipline
Isaiah 42:23 - "Who among you will give ear to this? who will hearken and hear for the time to come?"
Isaiah 42:12 - "Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands."
Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."
Isaiah 42:21 - "The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable."
"I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;" - Isaiah 42:6
Isaiah 42:2 - "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street."
1 Chronicles 6:42 - "The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,"
Job 42:6 - "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Isaiah 6:7 - "And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."
Isaiah 7:6 - "Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal:"
Numbers 7:42 - "¶ On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered:"
Isaiah 42:17 - "¶ They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods."
Isaiah 42:8 - "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
"The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen." - Nehemiah 7:42
Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."
Isaiah 42:4 - "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law."
Isaiah 42:19 - "Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?"