King James Version
What Does Isaiah 41:27 Mean?
“The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.”
Context
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
29
Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(27) **The first shall say to Zion.**—The italics show the difficulty and abruptness of the originals. A preferable rendering is, (1) *I was the first that said to Zion, &c. No *oracle or soothsayer anticipated that message of deliverance (Ewald, Del.); or (2) *a forerunner shall say ***. . .** The words “Behold them” point to the returning exiles. The second clause fits in better with (2), and explains it. Jehovah sends a herald of good news (not Cyrus himself, but a messenger reporting his victories, or possibly Isaiah himself, as a more distant herald) to Jerusalem, to say that the exiles are returning.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 41:27 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 41:27
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge