King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:21 Mean?

Isaiah 41:21 in the King James Version says “Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Produce: Heb. Cause to com... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 41:21 · KJV


Context

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

23

Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges false gods to 'produce your cause' in divine court. The legal language ('rib'—case/cause) and 'King of Jacob' title emphasize God's authority to judge. The 'strong reasons' challenge requires evidence of divine power and foreknowledge, which only the true God can provide.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This trial scene directly challenges Babylonian deities like Marduk and Bel, who claimed to rule history and predict future. God dares them to demonstrate real power or knowledge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's challenge to false gods inform your evaluation of modern truth claims?
  2. What 'strong reasons' does the God of Scripture provide for exclusive worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
קָרְב֥וּ1 of 9

Produce

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

רִֽיבְכֶ֖ם2 of 9

your cause

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

יֹאמַ֖ר3 of 9

reasons saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 9

the LORD

H3068

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

הַגִּ֙ישׁוּ֙5 of 9

bring forth

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

עֲצֻמ֣וֹתֵיכֶ֔ם6 of 9

your strong

H6110

a bulwark, i.e., (figuratively) argument

יֹאמַ֖ר7 of 9

reasons saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֶ֥לֶךְ8 of 9

the King

H4428

a king

יַעֲקֹֽב׃9 of 9

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch


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 41:21 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 41:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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