King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:11 Mean?

Isaiah 41:11 in the King James Version says “Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they tha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. they that strive: Heb. the men of thy strife”

Isaiah 41:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

9

Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. they that strive: Heb. the men of thy strife

12

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. them that: Heb. the men of thy contention they: Heb. the men of thy war

13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises that those incensed ('charah'—burning with anger) and contending ('rib'—legal strife) against His people will experience shame and defeat. The Hebrew intensive 'bosh' (ashamed) and 'ayin' (nothing/nonexistent) indicate complete reversal—oppressors will be humiliated and annihilated. God fights for His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This assured exiles that their Babylonian oppressors would fall, as indeed happened when Persia conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Those who seemed invincible became nothing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to deal with your opponents free you from personal vindictiveness?
  2. What does it mean to trust God's justice when facing those who contend against you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הֵ֤ן1 of 11
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

יֵבֹ֙שׁוּ֙2 of 11

“against thee shall be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְיִכָּ֣לְמ֔וּ3 of 11

“and confounded”

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

כֹּ֖ל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנֶּחֱרִ֣ים5 of 11

“Behold all they that were incensed”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

בָּ֑ךְ6 of 11
H0
יִֽהְי֥וּ7 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְאַ֛יִן8 of 11
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְיֹאבְד֖וּ9 of 11

“with thee shall perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אַנְשֵׁ֥י10 of 11
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

רִיבֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“that strive”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

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 41:11 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 41:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:22Isaiah 45:24Revelation 3:9Isaiah 54:17Acts 16:39Acts 13:8-11

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 41 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes