King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:20 Mean?

Isaiah 41:20 in the King James Version says “That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Ho...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.”

Isaiah 41:20 · KJV

Context

18

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

19

I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:

20

That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

21

Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Produce: Heb. Cause to come near

22

Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. consider: Heb. set our heart upon them

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of this transformation is knowledge: 'That they may see...know...consider...understand together' that God's hand has done this. The fourfold progression emphasizes complete, shared recognition of divine action. The passive voice 'it is created' reveals God as sole actor—human effort doesn't produce this change.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The miraculous return and restoration would serve as testimony to watching nations that Israel's God alone has power to fulfill promises and transform impossibility into reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate awareness that recognizes God's hand in transformative events?
  2. What does it mean to 'consider and understand together' God's works in community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לְמַ֧עַן1 of 14
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִרְא֣וּ2 of 14

“That they may see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְיֵדְע֗וּ3 of 14

“and know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְיָשִׂ֤ימוּ4 of 14

“and consider”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

וְיַשְׂכִּ֙ילוּ֙5 of 14

“and understand”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

יַחְדָּ֔ו6 of 14

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

כִּ֥י7 of 14
H3588

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

יַד8 of 14

“that the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 14

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עָ֣שְׂתָה10 of 14

“hath done”

H6213

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

זֹּ֑את11 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּקְד֥וֹשׁ12 of 14

“this and the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל13 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּרָאָֽהּ׃14 of 14

“hath created”

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

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 41:20 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 41:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 12:9Isaiah 44:23Exodus 9:16Isaiah 43:21Psalms 109:27Isaiah 45:6-8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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