Isaiah 48:12
Isaiah 48:12 in Multiple Translations
Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.
¶ Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Give ear to me, Jacob, and Israel, my loved one; I am he, I am the first and I am the last.
Listen to me, Jacob, and Israel, the one I called. Only I am God. I am the first, and I am the last.
Heare me, O Iaakob and Israel, my called, I am, I am the first, and I am the last.
Hearken to me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called one, I [am] He, I [am] first, and I [am] last;
“Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he. I am the first. I am also the last.
Hearken to me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Hearken to me, O Jacob, and thou Israel whom I call: I am he, I am the first, and I am the last.
“You descendants [MTY] of Jacob, you people of Israel whom I have chosen, listen to me! Only I am God; I am the one who begins everything and who causes everything to end.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 48:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁמַ֤ע
אֵלַ/י֙
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
מְקֹרָאִ֑/י
אֲנִי
הוּא֙
אֲנִ֣י
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
אַ֖ף
אֲנִ֥י
אַחֲרֽוֹן
שְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Conj | N-proper
מְקֹרָאִ֑/י
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
אַ֖ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אַחֲרֽוֹן
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:12
שְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלַ/י֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Conj | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מְקֹרָאִ֑/י
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הוּא֙
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אַ֖ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
אֲנִ֥י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אַחֲרֽוֹן
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
Study Notes — Isaiah 48:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 48:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:12
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
- Sermons on Isaiah 48:12
Context — Deliverance Promised to Israel
10See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
11For My own sake, My very own sake, I will act; for how can I let Myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another.
12Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.
13Surely My own hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand up together. 14Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:4 | Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last— I am He.” |
| 2 | Revelation 22:13 | I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” |
| 3 | Revelation 1:8 | “I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. |
| 4 | Isaiah 44:6 | Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. |
| 5 | Isaiah 43:11 | I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me. |
| 6 | Isaiah 55:3 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 7 | Revelation 2:8 | To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life. |
| 8 | Revelation 1:17–18 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades. |
| 9 | Isaiah 49:1 | Listen to Me, O islands; pay attention, O distant peoples: The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 32:39 | See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand. |
Isaiah 48:12 Summary
[Isaiah 48:12 is a powerful reminder of God's unique identity and eternal nature, where He declares Himself as the 'first and the last', emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. This truth can bring comfort and guidance, as seen in Revelation 1:8 where Jesus says 'I am the Alpha and the Omega'. By listening to God and recognizing His eternal presence, we can find peace and direction in our lives, just as Psalm 46:10 encourages us to 'be still and know that I am God'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'I am He' in Isaiah 48:12?
When God says 'I am He', He is affirming His unique identity as the one true God, similar to His statement in Exodus 3:14-15 where He says 'I AM WHO I AM'. This declaration emphasizes His self-existence and sovereignty.
Why does God call Himself 'the first and the last' in this verse?
God calling Himself 'the first and the last' signifies His eternal nature and His role as the beginning and the end of all things, as also stated in Revelation 22:13, emphasizing His timeless existence and dominion over all creation.
Who is being addressed in Isaiah 48:12?
In Isaiah 48:12, God is directly addressing Jacob and Israel, whom He has called, indicating a special relationship with His chosen people, as seen in Romans 11:26-27 where it talks about the future salvation of Israel.
What is the significance of God saying 'Listen to Me' at the beginning of the verse?
When God says 'Listen to Me', He is commanding attention and obedience, emphasizing the importance of hearing and following His voice, as also encouraged in Psalm 95:7-8, where it says 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts'.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing God as the 'first and the last' influence my perspective on my current challenges and future hopes?
- In what ways can I apply the command to 'Listen to Me' in my daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or doubt?
- What does it mean for me to be called by God, and how should this identity shape my actions and decisions?
- How can meditating on God's eternal nature and sovereignty help me trust in His goodness and provision in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called,.... Called before out of Egypt, and now out of Babylon, and who had the name of God called upon them, and who called upon the name of the Lord; so such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. -The Almighty, who has founded heaven and earth, can, and will restore His people. Verse 12.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
Israel my called; whom I have called out of the world to be my peculiar people, to serve, and glorify, and enjoy me; and therefore you of all others have least cause to forsake me, or to follow after idols.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
Isaiah 48:12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I [am] he; I [am] the first, I also [am] the last.Ver. 12. I am he.] Heb., Hu; this the Rabbis make to be one of the names of God. Sanchez here observeth, that by this threefold "I" is meant the holy Trinity: the deity of Jesus Christ is rightly proved from this text, compared with Revelation 1:11; Revelation 22:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
(12) Hearken unto me, O Jacob.—The prophet is drawing near to the end of the first great section of his book, and his conclusion takes the form of a condensed epitome of the great argument of Isaiah 40-47, asserting the oneness, the eternity, the omnipotence, the omniscience of Jehovah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
Verse 12. O Jacob - "O Jacob, my servant"] After יעקב yaakob, a MS. of Kennicott's, two of De Rossi's, and the two old editions of 1486 and 1488, add the word עבדי abdi, "my servant," which is lost out of the present text; and there is a rasure in its place in another ancient MS. The Jerusalem Talmud has the same word. I also am the last - "I am the last"] For אף אני aph ani, "even I," two ancient MSS. and the ancient Versions, read ואני veani, "and I;" more properly.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:12
12–16. The substance of the “new things” (Isaiah 48:6) is that Jehovah has called Cyrus to execute His pleasure on the Chaldæans (14 f.), and now openly announces His purpose beforehand (16).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me - This is a solemn call on the Jews in Babylon to attend to what he was now about to say.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:12
12, 13. Hearken unto me — Renewal of the consolation. The second and brighter part of the message begins here.
Sermons on Isaiah 48:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and |
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Jehovah's Witnesses #3 - the Ten Misapplied Texts Pt. 2 (The Watchtower and False Prophesy) by Mike Theule | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the nature of God. He shares a personal experience of witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness girl who was convinced |
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The Beginning by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the overwhelming love of God and the impossibility of containing it. He describes how when people praise and worship God, they are joined to |
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The Same, the First and the Last by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart, following righteousness, faith, love, and peace, especially in difficult times as foretold in |
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Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |
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Jehovah-Jesus the Constant Companion and Faithful Friend of Elect Sinners by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the glorious truths revealed by JEHOVAH the Spirit in Isaiah 41, contrasting the weakness of Israel with the omnipotence and greatness of Israel's God. |
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I Beseech Thee (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency and importance of embracing the mercy of God. He urges the audience to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleas |