King James Version

What Does Isaiah 25:1 Mean?

Isaiah 25:1 in the King James Version says “O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”

Isaiah 25:1 · KJV

Truth

Context

1

O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

2

For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

3

Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.

Read Isaiah 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name—After chapter 24's devastating judgment, chapter 25 erupts in worship. The personal pronouns emphasize covenant relationship: 'my God' (אֱלֹהָי, Elohai). I will exalt thee (אֲרוֹמִמְךָ, aromimka) means to lift up, magnify, make great—responding to God's self-revelation in judgment with worship.

For thou hast done wonderful things (כִּי עָשִׂיתָ פֶּלֶא, ki asita pele)—The Hebrew פֶּלֶא (pele, wonderful things) refers to acts only God can perform, miraculous deeds that inspire awe. These aren't random miracles but purposeful demonstrations of divine power and character.

Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth (עֵצוֹת מֵרָחוֹק אֱמוּנָה אֹמֶן, etsot merachok emunah omen)—God's ancient plans (from distant time) are utterly reliable. אֱמוּנָה (emunah, faithfulness) and אֹמֶן (omen, truth/stability) appear together emphasizing absolute dependability. What God planned long ago, He executes precisely—no failed promises, no adjusted plans. This grounds worship in God's proven character across history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This thanksgiving psalm interrupts the apocalypse genre, showing appropriate response to divine judgment: worship. 'Counsels of old' suggests God's eternal decree, planned before creation, now unfolding in history. For Israel, this referenced promises to Abraham, David, and the prophets—all faithfully fulfilled. New Testament believers see even deeper fulfillment: God's eternal plan of redemption through Christ, 'foreordained before the foundation of the world' (1 Peter 1:20), executed precisely at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4). Paul celebrates this same theme: God's purpose 'from the beginning' now revealed (Ephesians 3:9-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal relationship with God ('thou art my God') transform worship from mere religious duty to heartfelt response?
  2. What 'wonderful things' has God done in your life that should provoke exaltation and praise?
  3. How does God's faithfulness to 'counsels of old' (ancient promises kept) strengthen your confidence in His future promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
יְהוָ֤ה1 of 13

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהַי֙2 of 13

“thou art my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אַתָּ֔ה3 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲרֽוֹמִמְךָ֙4 of 13

“I will exalt”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אוֹדֶ֣ה5 of 13

“thee I will praise”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

שִׁמְךָ֔6 of 13

“thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

כִּ֥י7 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עָשִׂ֖יתָ8 of 13

“for thou hast done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פֶּ֑לֶא9 of 13

“wonderful”

H6382

a miracle

עֵצ֥וֹת10 of 13

“things thy counsels”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

מֵֽרָחֹ֖ק11 of 13

“of old”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

אֱמ֥וּנָה12 of 13

“are faithfulness”

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

אֹֽמֶן׃13 of 13

“and truth”

H544

verity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 25:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 25:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 15:2Psalms 118:28Numbers 23:19Psalms 98:1Psalms 40:5Isaiah 28:29

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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