CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 49:15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/49-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/23_Isa_49_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 49:15 - You are My Servant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/49-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/49-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/49.htm">Chapter 49</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/49-14.htm" title="Isaiah 49:14">◄</a> Isaiah 49:15 <a href="/isaiah/49-16.htm" title="Isaiah 49:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/49.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/49.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her infant And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />[The LORD answered] “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD answered, "Could a mother forget a child who nurses at her breast? Could she fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her nursing child? Will she have no compassion on the child from her womb? Although mothers may forget, I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the LORD answers, "Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Can a woman forget her nursing child, or have no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these mothers may forget; But as for me, I'll never forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her baby who nurses at her breast? Can she withhold compassion from the child she has borne? Even if mothers were to forget, I could never forget you! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Does a woman forget her suckling, "" The loved one—the son of her womb? Indeed, these forget—but I do not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Forget doth a woman her suckling, The loved one -- the son of her womb? Yea, these forget -- but I -- I forget not thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Shall a woman forget her child, from pitying the son of her womb? also these shall forget, and I shall not forget thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her infant, so as not to have pity on the son of her womb? and if she should forget, yet will not I forget thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her infant, so as not to take pity on the child of her womb? But even if she would forget, still I shall never forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, but I will not forget you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If a woman forgets her infant and does not love on a son of her womb, even if these forget, I shall not forget you!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Can a woman forget her sucking child, That she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, these may forget, Yet will not I forget thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Will a woman forget her child, so as not to have compassion upon the offspring of her womb? but if a woman should even forget these, yet I will not forget thee, saith the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/49-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=11080" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/49.htm">You are My Servant</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me!” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">“Can a woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: hă·ṯiš·kaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">forget</a> <a href="/hebrew/5764.htm" title="5764: ‘ū·lāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A sucking child, suckling. From uwl; a babe.">her nursing child,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7355.htm" title="7355: mê·ra·ḥêm (Prep-m:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To love, have compassion. A primitive root; to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate.">or lack compassion</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">for the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: biṭ·nāh (N-fsc:: 3fs) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.">of her womb?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">Even if</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: ’êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">she</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: ṯiš·kaḥ·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fp) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">could forget,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I will</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7911.htm" title="7911: ’eš·kā·ḥêḵ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs:: 2fs) -- To forget. Or shakeach; a primitive root; to mislay, i.e. To be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention.">forget you!</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-10.htm">Psalm 27:10</a></span><br />Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Matthew 7:11</a></span><br />So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Hosea 11:8</a></span><br />How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-13.htm">Luke 11:13</a></span><br />So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></span><br />Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a></span><br />Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10-11</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye. / As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-27.htm">John 16:27</a></span><br />For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-39</a></span><br />Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a></span><br />Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a></span><br />For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you.</p><p class="hdg">a woman</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/3-26.htm">1 Kings 3:26,27</a></b></br> Then spake the woman whose the living child <i>was</i> unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, <i>but</i> divide <i>it</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a></b></br> Like as a father pitieth <i>his</i> children, <i>so</i> the LORD pitieth them that fear him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Malachi 3:17</a></b></br> And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.</p><p class="hdg">that she should not have compassion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-29.htm">Leviticus 26:29</a></b></br> And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/28-56.htm">Deuteronomy 28:56,57</a></b></br> The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">2 Kings 6:28,29</a></b></br> And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow… </p><p class="hdg">yet</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-21.htm">Isaiah 44:21</a></b></br> Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou <i>art</i> my servant: I have formed thee; thou <i>art</i> my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> Ephraim my dear son? <i>is he</i> a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a></b></br> When Israel <i>was</i> a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/3-27.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-18.htm">Child</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-13.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-21.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-31.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-4.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-14.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Nursing</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-10.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Sucking</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Suckling</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-5.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/20-15.htm">Baby</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-21.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-16.htm">Breast</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Child</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-7.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-4.htm">Forget</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-8.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-4.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-23.htm">Nursing</a> <a href="/isaiah/54-8.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-4.htm">Sucking</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-21.htm">Suckling</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-9.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/49-1.htm">Christ being sent to the Jews, complains of them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/49-5.htm">He is sent to the Gentiles with gracious promises</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/49-13.htm">God's love is perpetual to his church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/49-18.htm">The ample restoration of the church</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/49-24.htm">The powerful deliverance out of captivity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Can a woman forget her nursing child</b><br>This phrase highlights the natural bond and instinctual care a mother has for her child, especially one she is nursing. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the bond between a mother and her nursing child was considered one of the strongest human connections. The rhetorical question implies that it is almost unthinkable for a mother to forget her nursing child, emphasizing the depth of God's love and commitment to His people. This imagery is used to illustrate God's unwavering faithfulness, contrasting human forgetfulness with divine remembrance.<p><b>or lack compassion for the son of her womb?</b><br>The phrase underscores the deep-seated compassion a mother has for her child, which is rooted in the very act of giving birth. In biblical times, the womb was often seen as a place of life and blessing, and the relationship between a mother and her child was sacred. This comparison serves to highlight the intensity of God's compassion for His people, suggesting that even if human compassion fails, God's compassion is steadfast. This is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a>, which speaks of God's compassion being like that of a father for his children.<p><b>Even if she could forget</b><br>Here, the hypothetical scenario is presented where a mother might forget her child, which is highly unlikely but not impossible. This serves to emphasize the contrast between human frailty and divine constancy. The possibility of a mother forgetting her child, though rare, is used to highlight the certainty of God's memory and care. This reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness, as seen in passages like <a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Hosea 11:8-9</a>, where God's love persists despite Israel's waywardness.<p><b>I will not forget you!</b><br>This declaration is a powerful assurance of God's eternal remembrance and commitment to His people. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises never to abandon or forsake them. This promise is consistent with the overarching narrative of the Bible, where God remains faithful to His promises despite human failure. The assurance of God's remembrance is a source of hope and comfort, echoed in the New Testament in passages like <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a>, where God promises never to leave nor forsake His people. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate expression of God's faithfulness in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's eternal commitment to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>Often used to refer to Jerusalem or the people of Israel, Zion is the context in which God is speaking in <a href="/bsb/isaiah/49.htm">Isaiah 49</a>, addressing the concerns and fears of His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, God is expressing His unwavering commitment and love for His people, using the metaphor of a mother's love to illustrate His faithfulness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nursing_child.htm">Nursing Child</a></b><br>Represents the most vulnerable and dependent members of society, highlighting the natural bond and compassion expected between a mother and her child.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom God is speaking, often depicted as God's chosen people who are in need of reassurance of His love and remembrance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_unfailing_love.htm">God's Unfailing Love</a></b><br>God's love surpasses even the most natural and profound human bonds, such as that of a mother and her child. His commitment to His people is unwavering and eternal.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_remembrance.htm">Divine Remembrance</a></b><br>Unlike human forgetfulness, God's memory is perfect. He never forgets His promises or His people, providing a foundation of trust and security.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/comfort_in_times_of_doubt.htm">Comfort in Times of Doubt</a></b><br>In moments of feeling forgotten or abandoned, believers can find solace in God's promise that He will not forget them, offering peace and reassurance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_god's_compassion.htm">The Nature of God's Compassion</a></b><br>God's compassion is deep and abiding, serving as a model for how believers should show compassion to others, reflecting His love in their relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, knowing that His word is true and His love is steadfast, even when circumstances seem contrary.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_a_mother_god_deity.htm">Is there a female deity called Mother God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_address_abandonment.htm">How does the Bible address feelings of abandonment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_29_11_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about Alzheimer's and salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_alzheimer's_and_salvation.htm">What does the Bible say about Alzheimer's and salvation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Can a woman forget . . .?</span>--The love of Jehovah for His chosen ones is more than that of a father, more tender and unchangeable even than the maternal love which exists often in the most depraved. Even that may perish, but not so His pitying affection.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Can a woman forget?.... yea,</span> they may forget. In the siege of Samaria by Benhadad, King of Syria, a mother, we are told (<a href="/2_kings/6-28.htm">2 Kings 6:28, 29</a>), boiled her son for food. In the last siege of Jerusalem similar horrors are reported (Joseph., 'Bell. Jud.,' 6:03, 4). Mothers have even been known in England who have forced their tender and innocent daughters to commit deadly sin. <span class="cmt_word">Yet will I</span> <span class="cmt_word">not forget,</span> The love of God surpasses that of either father or mother. "When my father and my mother forsake me," says David, "then the Lord will take me up" (<a href="/psalms/27-10.htm">Psalm 27:10</a>). "God is love" (<a href="/1_john/4-8.htm">1 John 4:8</a>) in his very essence; and his infinite love is deeper, tenderer, truer, than finite love can ever be. Still, that which is nearest to it upon earth is, doubtless, the love of a mother for her children (see <a href="/isaiah/66-13.htm">Isaiah 66:13</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/49-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Can a woman</span><br /><span class="heb">אִשָּׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forget</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲתִשְׁכַּ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ṯiš·kaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her nursing child,</span><br /><span class="heb">עוּלָ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ū·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5764.htm">Strong's 5764: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sucking child, suckling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or lack compassion</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרַחֵ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ra·ḥêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7355.htm">Strong's 7355: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fondle, to love, to compassionate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of her womb?</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּטְנָ֑הּ</span> <span class="translit">(biṭ·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_990.htm">Strong's 990: </a> </span><span class="str2">The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Though</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may forget,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשְׁכַּ֔חְנָה</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiš·kaḥ·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָנֹכִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">forget you!</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁכָּחֵֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·kā·ḥêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7911.htm">Strong's 7911: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mislay, to be oblivious of, from want of memory, attention</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/49-15.htm">Isaiah 49:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/49-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 49:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 49:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/49-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 49:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 49:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>