King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:26 Mean?

Isaiah 41:26 in the King James Version says “Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 41:26 · KJV

Context

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.

28

For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word. answer: Heb. return

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges: who among false prophets declared this from the beginning or beforetime? The threefold response—'there is none that sheweth, none that declareth, none that heareth your words'—emphasizes total absence of genuine prophecy from false sources. Silence proves fraud; fulfilled prophecy proves divinity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This rhetorical question has obvious answer: only Isaiah, speaking for the LORD, predicted Cyrus by name 150 years before his birth (44:28, 45:1). No Babylonian source made such specific predictions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Bible's track record of fulfilled prophecy strengthen your faith?
  2. What does the absence of genuine prophecy from false religions reveal about their claims?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
מִֽי1 of 17
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

מַגִּ֗יד2 of 17

“Who hath declared”

H5046

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

מֵרֹאשׁ֙3 of 17

“from the beginning”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְנֵדָ֔עָה4 of 17

“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

וּמִלְּפָנִ֖ים5 of 17

“and beforetime”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְנֹאמַ֣ר6 of 17

“that we may say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צַדִּ֑יק7 of 17

“He is righteous”

H6662

just

אַ֣ף8 of 17
H637

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

אֵין9 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַגִּ֗יד10 of 17

“Who hath declared”

H5046

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

אַ֚ף11 of 17
H637

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

אֵ֣ין12 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ13 of 17

“yea there is none that declareth”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אַ֥ף14 of 17
H637

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

אֵין15 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ16 of 17

“yea there is none that declareth”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִמְרֵיכֶֽם׃17 of 17

“your words”

H561

something said

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 41:26 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 41:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 44:7Isaiah 41:22Isaiah 45:21Habakkuk 2:18-20Isaiah 43:9

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