Isaiah 49:1-13
“Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified... I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth... in a day of salvation have I helped thee.”
King James Version
The second Servant Song — the Servant called from the womb, named 'Israel,' yet sent to restore Israel and be a light of salvation to the ends of the earth.
Fulfillment References
Luke 2:32 Acts 13:47 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 42:1-7
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe Servant who is God's 'salvation unto the end of the earth' is Jesus — the name Yeshua ('YHWH saves') embodying God's salvation; Simeon held Him as the light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:30-32).
JewishThe Servant is named 'Israel' (v.3); Judaism reads the nation as the servant called to be a light to the nations, gathered and glorified by God.
CatholicChrist the Servant, the true Israel, who restores His people and is salvation to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32).
ProtestantA key text: the Servant both IS 'Israel' (v.3) and is sent TO restore Israel (v.5-6) — resolved in Christ, the true Israel; Paul applies v.6 to the gospel mission (Acts 13:47).
OrthodoxChrist the light of the nations, fulfilling Israel's calling and extending salvation to all.
DispensationalThe Servant-Messiah who restores Israel and brings salvation to the Gentiles, in stages across His comings.
AcademicVerse 3 names the Servant 'Israel,' yet v.5-6 send him to restore Israel — the heart of the corporate-vs-individual Servant debate; many read an individual representing or embodying Israel.
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Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.