King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:23 Mean?

Isaiah 41:23 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 41:23 · KJV


Context

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.

24

Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. of nothing: or, worse than nothing of nought: or, worse than of a viper

25

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges idols to predict or act: 'shew the things that are to come hereafter' or 'do good, or do evil.' The either/or shows that any demonstration of power—beneficial or harmful—would prove divinity. Complete silence and inaction expose false gods as 'nothing.' The purpose is that observers would be 'dismayed' (amazed) and see together.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian gods remained silent about Cyrus's rise and Babylon's fall, while Isaiah's God declared both 150 years in advance. This concrete failure vindicated God's uniqueness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern ideologies fail the test of predicting outcomes or changing reality?
  2. What does the silence of false gods teach about discerning truth from deception?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙1 of 13

Shew

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הָאֹתִיּ֣וֹת2 of 13

the things that are to come

H857

to arrive

לְאָח֔וֹר3 of 13

hereafter

H268

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה4 of 13

that we may know

H3045

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

כִּ֥י5 of 13
H3588

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

אֱלֹהִ֖ים6 of 13

that ye are gods

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

אַתֶּ֑ם7 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אַף8 of 13
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

תֵּיטִ֣יבוּ9 of 13

yea do good

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

וְתָרֵ֔עוּ10 of 13

or do evil

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וְנִשְׁתָּ֖עָה11 of 13

that we may be dismayed

H8159

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

וְנִרְאֶ֥12 of 13

and behold

H7200

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

יַחְדָּֽו׃13 of 13

it together

H3162

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


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 41:23 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 41:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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