King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:26 Mean?

Isaiah 44:26 in the King James Version says “That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou sha...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: decayed: Heb. wastes”

Isaiah 44:26 · KJV

Context

24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

25

That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

26

That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: decayed: Heb. wastes

27

That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:

28

That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Read Isaiah 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In contrast, God 'confirms the word of his servant' and 'performs the counsel of his messengers.' The Hebrew 'qum' (confirms/establishes) shows that prophetic word becomes historical reality. Specifically, God says to Jerusalem 'Thou shalt be inhabited' and to Judah's cities 'Ye shall be built' - promises of restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This contrast between false prophets' failure and true prophets' vindication was fulfilled when Cyrus decreed Jerusalem's rebuilding, exactly as Isaiah prophesied 150 years earlier.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fulfilled prophecy confirm the reliability of God's word?
  2. What promises is God currently working to fulfill in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אֲקוֹמֵֽם׃1 of 14

“That confirmeth”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

דְּבַ֣ר2 of 14

“the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַבְדּ֔וֹ3 of 14

“of his servant”

H5650

a servant

וַעֲצַ֥ת4 of 14

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

מַלְאָכָ֖יו5 of 14

“of his messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יַשְׁלִ֑ים6 of 14

“and performeth”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

הָאֹמֵ֨ר7 of 14

“that saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם8 of 14

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תּוּשָׁ֗ב9 of 14

“Thou shalt be inhabited”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וּלְעָרֵ֤י10 of 14

“and to the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָה֙11 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

תִּבָּנֶ֔ינָה12 of 14

“Ye shall be built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְחָרְבוֹתֶ֖יהָ13 of 14

“the decayed places”

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

אֲקוֹמֵֽם׃14 of 14

“That confirmeth”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 44:26 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 44:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:91 Kings 18:36-38Nehemiah 1:3Acts 2:25-282 Peter 1:19-21Isaiah 60:10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Isaiah 44 →

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