In this verse Yahweh tells Israel not to be afraid since he will help it.

For Fear not, see the comments on verse 10.

You worm Jacob seems to belittle Israel. With the worm metaphor God is characterizing Israel as weak and worthless (compare Psa 22.6). However, some scholars believe this metaphor is a term of endearment rather than disparagement. This is possible, but we prefer a derogatory sense here. For languages that cannot keep the worm image, a possible nonfigurative rendering is “you little Jacob.” Bible en français courant uses an alternative image, saying “people of Jacob … you who are being treated as vermin.”

You men of Israel is parallel to you worm Jacob. For the parallel use of the names Jacob and Israel, see the comments on Isa 41.8. Men does not seem an appropriate parallel to worm, so many scholars suggest that the Hebrew word for men (methe) could mean “few” (so Septuagint). This is the sense found in New International Version, which renders this line as “O little Israel.” New Jerusalem Bible is similar with “You little handful of Israel.” Instead of men, Dead Sea Scrolls has “dead ones.” However, most recent scholarship has tended to look to Akkadian, a language related to Hebrew, which has a word mutu, meaning “louse,” “maggot,” or “insect.” This would provide a close parallel to worm and is the understanding we find in New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, Bible en français courant, and the NJPSV footnote|prj:NJPS.Isa 41.14 here. Even though there is no textual support for this reading, we suggest translators follow it since it fits the context well. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project and de~Waard do not mention any textual problem in verse 14.

Good News Translation renders the first two lines nonfiguratively and combines them into one, saying “Small and weak as you are, Israel.” If possible, translators should keep the parallel lines here.

I will help you, says the LORD: For I will help you, see the previous verse. Good News Translation moves says the LORD to the beginning of the verse as a quote frame to introduce Yahweh’s words in verses 14-20. It also encloses his speech in quote marks.

Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel: Redeemer as a title for God appears here for the first time in Isaiah. It occurs 13 times altogether, usually in combination with other divine titles. The Hebrew word rendered Redeemer usually refers to buying something back (see the comments on this word at 35.9, where it is translated “redeemed”). However, when applied to God redeeming Israel it cannot have that sense. To whom would God pay any redemption price? In the context of the family, the “redeemer” (goʾel in Hebrew) was the family member who had the legal responsibility of helping and protecting others in need, seeking revenge in some cases. He was usually the closest relative or eldest member of the family (see, for example, Ruth 4.1-12). In the theological context too, this word carries the idea of God coming to the aid of those who need his help. It is closely connected to the idea of rescue, so Good News Translation renders your Redeemer as “the one who saves you.” Another possibility is “your Savior.” Bible en français courant translates “I am taking up your cause,” which is a useful model. For the Holy One of Israel, see the comments on 1.4.

Translation examples for this verse are:

• “Don’t be afraid, you worm Jacob,
you maggot Israel!
I am the one who will help you,” says Yahweh,
your Redeemer, Israel’s Holy One.

• “You little [worm] Jacob,
you tiny [grub] Israel, fear not,
because I will help you,” says the LORD.
“I, your Savior, am the Holy One of Israel.

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 .