Thus says the LORD …: This quote frame is the same as in verse 2. However, this time it is followed by three divine titles before Yahweh speaks: the King of Israel (see 41.21; 43.15), his Redeemer (see 41.14; 43.14), and the LORD of hosts (see 1.9).

I am the first and I am the last begins Yahweh’s speech. This is a figure of speech in which he claims to be eternal and in control of events (see the comments on 41.4; compare also Rev 22.13). It also points to his uniqueness as the only God. Good News Translation makes this clear by saying “I am the first, the last, the only God.” Other possible renderings are “I am the beginning and the end of all things” and “I am the one who comes at the beginning and at the end.”

Besides me there is no god is parallel to the previous line. It makes plain Yahweh’s claim for uniqueness. There is no other god (compare 43.10-11). Others may make a claim to be divine, but they are the product of human hands. They are nothing since Yahweh is everything.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last,
and apart from me there is no god.

• This is what Yahweh, Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of hosts says:
“I am the first and I am the last.
Aside from me there is no god.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .