King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:25 Mean?

Isaiah 41:25 in the King James Version says “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 sh...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 41:25 · KJV

Context

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.

26

Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

27

The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God announces raising up one from the north and east (Cyrus came from Persia, northeast of Babylon) who will call on God's name and trample rulers 'as the potter treadeth clay.' The Hebrew 'ramas' (tread down) depicts thorough subjugation. Though Cyrus didn't know God personally, he acknowledged Him (Ezra 1:2) and served His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus's conquest fulfilled this prophecy precisely—he came from the northeast, conquered Babylon's rulers, and decreed recognition of Israel's God in his proclamation allowing return.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of those who don't fully know Him demonstrate His sovereign grace?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's control of secular rulers for His people's benefit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַעִיר֤וֹתִי1 of 15

“I have raised up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

מִצָּפוֹן֙2 of 15

“one from the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וַיַּ֔את3 of 15

“and he shall come”

H857

to arrive

מִמִּזְרַח4 of 15

“from the rising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ5 of 15

“of the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

יִקְרָ֣א6 of 15

“shall he call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בִשְׁמִ֑י7 of 15

“upon my name”

H8034

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

וְיָבֹ֤א8 of 15

“and he shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

סְגָנִים֙9 of 15

“upon princes”

H5461

a prfect of a province

כְּמוֹ10 of 15
H3644

as, thus, so

חֹ֔מֶר11 of 15

“as upon morter”

H2563

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

וּכְמ֥וֹ12 of 15
H3644

as, thus, so

יוֹצֵ֖ר13 of 15

“and as the potter”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

יִרְמָס14 of 15

“treadeth”

H7429

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

טִֽיט׃15 of 15

“clay”

H2916

mud or clay; figuratively, calamity

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 41:25 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 41:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 41:22 Samuel 22:43Isaiah 10:6Isaiah 46:10-11Isaiah 44:28-45:6Zechariah 10:5

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