A Light to the Gentiles
Isaiah promised the Servant would bring God's salvation to the ends of the earth.
Isaiah said it was too light a thing that the Servant should restore Israel only — He would be a light to the Gentiles for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Simeon held the infant Christ and confessed Him as that light; Paul later applied the verse to his Gentile mission.
The Prophecy
"It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant...I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
"I the Lord have called thee in righteousness...and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles."
The Fulfillment
"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."
"For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."
Beyond Israel's borders
From the beginning God's purpose reached the nations. Isaiah's Servant Songs make it explicit: the Messiah's salvation would not be confined to the Jews but would shine to every people.
Simeon's prophecy and Paul's mission
In Luke 2, the aged Simeon recognized the infant Jesus as the promised light. Decades later, Paul claimed the same verse as his commission to the Gentiles.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who fulfilled Isaiah 49:6?
Christ Himself — confessed at His infancy by Simeon, and proclaimed through the apostles to the Gentiles.
Does Isaiah 49:6 prove a worldwide gospel?
Yes — it expressly says salvation will reach 'the end of the earth,' which the apostles applied to the Gentile mission (Acts 13:47).
How is Christ a 'light' to the nations?
By revealing the Father (John 1:18), exposing sin, and granting eternal life to all who believe — Jew and Gentile alike.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles
Isaiah foretold the Servant as a light to the Gentiles.
The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53
Christ wounded for our transgressions — fulfilled at Calvary.
Great Light in Galilee
Isaiah foretold that despised Galilee would see a great light — fulfilled in Christ.
The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh
Joel's prophecy fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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Isaiah 9:6 — Meaning & Devotional
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Isaiah 61:1 Commentary
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Philip and the Ethiopian
Acts 8:26-40 • The Gospel Goes to the Nations
Isaiah 7:14 — Meaning & Devotional
Prophecy & Fulfillment
Isaiah in the Bible
The Messianic Prophet