Log inSign up

Isaiah 49 · a question people ask

Why does the servant say, "I have labored in vain" (49:4)?

In the text

The verse gives his words and no reason for them: "I have labored in vain. I have spent my strength in vain for nothing; yet surely the justice due to me is with the LORD, and my reward with my God" (49:4) (tap labored). It doesn't say what the labor was, or why he calls it vain. It does say where he leaves it: with the LORD, with my God. And the next verse begins, "Now the LORD, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, says" (49:5), and the LORD's word that follows is larger, not smaller: "I will also give you as a light to the nations" (49:6). The chapter says no more than this, and these notes add nothing to it.

From Favor's study of Isaiah 49

Isaiah 49: A light to the nations

The servant of 49:1-6 is named "Israel" (49:3), sent to bring Jacob back (49:5) and given "as a light to the nations" (49:6), and Christians read who he is in more than one way. And to Zion's "the Lord has forgotten me" (49:14) the LORD says, "these may forget, yet I will not forget you!" (49:15).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekIsaiah 49 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Isaiah 49

All questions about Isaiah →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions