King James Version

What Does Isaiah 43:12 Mean?

Isaiah 43:12 in the King James Version says “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witness...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.”

Isaiah 43:12 · KJV

Salvation

Context

10

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. no: or, nothing formed of God

11

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

12

I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.

13

Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? let it: Heb. turn it back?

14

Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. nobles: Heb. bars

Read Isaiah 43 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's threefold testimony: 'I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed'—comprehensive revelation and action. The conclusion: 'ye are my witnesses...that I am God.' The Hebrew 'nagad' (declared), 'yasha' (saved), and 'shama' (shewed/announced) cover word and deed, promise and fulfillment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This appeals to Israel's experience: God predicted deliverances, accomplished them, then revealed their meaning. This pattern of declaration-fulfillment-explanation distinguishes Him from false gods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's pattern of declaring before acting strengthen faith in unfulfilled promises?
  2. What salvation experiences in your life serve as testimony to God's unique power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אָנֹכִ֞י1 of 13
H595

i

הִגַּ֤דְתִּי2 of 13

“I have 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

וְהוֹשַׁ֙עְתִּי֙3 of 13

“and have saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וְהִשְׁמַ֔עְתִּי4 of 13

“and I have shewed”

H8085

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

וְאֵ֥ין5 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בָּכֶ֖ם6 of 13
H0
זָ֑ר7 of 13

“when there was no strange”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְאַתֶּ֥ם8 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֵדַ֛י9 of 13

“god among you therefore ye are my witnesses”

H5707

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

נְאֻם10 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וַֽאֲנִי12 of 13
H589

i

אֵֽל׃13 of 13

“that I am God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

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 43:12 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 43:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 81:9-10Deuteronomy 32:12Isaiah 44:8Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 46:9-10Isaiah 37:7

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 43 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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