Old Testament
Isaiah 49:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Can a mother forget the baby nursing at her breast? Can she feel no compassion for the child she carried in her womb? Even if she could forget, I will never forget you!
Compare translations
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.
What Isaiah 49:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God uses the powerful imagery of a mother and her child to illustrate His unwavering love and commitment to His people. A mother’s bond with her nursing child is one of the strongest human connections, filled with love and compassion. The rhetorical question suggests that while it is almost unimaginable for a mother to forget her child, even if she did, God assures us that He will never forget us. This highlights the depth of God's love, which surpasses even the most profound human relationships. The verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and the assurance that He is always present, caring for us, regardless of our circumstances. It serves as a reminder that we are valued and remembered by God, no matter how abandoned or forgotten we may feel in life. This promise of remembrance is a source of comfort and hope for believers, reinforcing the idea that God’s love is constant and unchanging, even in difficult times.
How to apply Isaiah 49:15 to your life
In our daily lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God will never forget us, even when we feel alone or overlooked. This assurance encourages us to trust in His presence and love. We can also strive to reflect this compassion in our relationships, nurturing those around us with the same unwavering care that God shows us.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 49:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 49:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 49:15 mean?
Isaiah 49:15 uses the imagery of a mother and her nursing child to illustrate God's unwavering love and commitment to His people. It emphasizes that even if a mother could forget her child, God will never forget us, highlighting His faithfulness and care.
What is the significance of motherhood in Isaiah 49:15?
In Isaiah 49:15, motherhood symbolizes the strongest human bond filled with love and compassion. This imagery is used to convey the depth of God's love, suggesting that His commitment to us is even greater than the instinctual love a mother has for her child.
What does 'I will never forget you' mean in Isaiah 49:15?
The phrase 'I will never forget you' in Isaiah 49:15 reassures believers that God is always present and remembers them, regardless of their circumstances. It serves as a promise of His constant love and support.
How does Isaiah 49:15 relate to feelings of abandonment?
Isaiah 49:15 addresses feelings of abandonment by reminding us that, despite how alone or forgotten we may feel, God will always remember and care for us. This verse offers comfort and hope in times of distress.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.