Isa 49:4 | NETfull | STEP | But I thought, “I have worked in vain; I have expended my energy for absolutely nothing.” But the Lord will vindicate me; my God will reward me.

Isaiah 49:4

4 But I thought, ^{▼▼ Or “said” (KJV, NASB, NIV, NRSV); NLT “I replied.”} “I have worked in vain;
I have expended my energy for absolutely nothing.” ^{▼▼ Heb “for nothing and emptiness.” Synonyms are combined to emphasize the common idea.}
But the Lord will vindicate me;
my God will reward me. ^{▼▼ Heb “But my justice is with the Lord, and my reward [or “wage”] with my God.”}