This verse recalls some of the thoughts from verse 10 and ends the subsection of verses 8-13. Good News Translation places a double quote mark at the end of this verse to close the LORD’s speech, which began at verse 1|prj:GNTD.Isa 41.1.

The connector For introduces the reason why Israel will not find any of its enemies. It is because of Yahweh’s help.

I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand: Yahweh identifies himself as Israel’s God by saying I, the LORD your God. The pronoun I is emphatic in Hebrew. I … hold your right hand means he empowers Israel (see the comments on verse 10). In 45.1 Yahweh gives this same powerful assistance to Cyrus the Persian emperor to ensure his victory over other nations. For some versions this figurative expression means God protects Israel; for example, Bible en français courant (1997) says “I firmly hold your right hand” (similarly Contemporary English Version, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Good News Translation provides a nonfigurative alternative here with “I strengthen you.” Another possibility is “I am the one who empowers you.” Some languages may be able to keep the figurative language by substituting hand with “arm.”

It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you”: Not only does Yahweh empower his people, he also tells them not to be afraid. For Fear not, see the comments on verse 10. The pronoun I in I will help you is emphatic in Hebrew, so this clause may be rendered “I, I am the one who will help you.” It implies that Israel’s help comes from no other source. For languages that prefer indirect speech here, see the first example below.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• Because I, Yahweh your God, empower you;
I am the one who tells you never to be afraid. I will help you.

• Because I, Yahweh your God, give power to your right arm.
I say [to you], ‘Do not fear. I, I am the one who will help you.’

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 .