King James Version

What Does Isaiah 44:28 Mean?

Isaiah 44:28 in the King James Version says “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 44:28 · KJV

Context

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
The chapter climaxes with the astonishing prophecy: 'That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure.' A Persian pagan king is called God's shepherd! God declares Cyrus will say to Jerusalem 'Thou shalt be built' and to the temple 'Thy foundation shall be laid.' This specific prediction, 150 years before Cyrus's birth, demonstrates divine foreknowledge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC and issued a decree allowing Jewish return and temple rebuilding (Ezra 1:1-4). Isaiah's naming of Cyrus before his birth remains one of the most remarkable specific prophecies in Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of a pagan king as His 'shepherd' expand your understanding of His sovereignty?
  2. What does this prophecy, given 150 years in advance, teach about God's knowledge of the future?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלֵאמֹ֤ר1 of 11

“That saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכ֙וֹרֶשׁ֙2 of 11

“of Cyrus”

H3566

koresh (or cyrus), the persian king

רֹעִ֔י3 of 11

“He is my shepherd”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וְכָל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֶפְצִ֖י5 of 11

“all my pleasure”

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

יַשְׁלִ֑ם6 of 11

“and shall perform”

H7999

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

וְלֵאמֹ֤ר7 of 11

“That saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙8 of 11

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תִּבָּנֶ֔ה9 of 11

“Thou shalt be built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְהֵיכָ֖ל10 of 11

“and to the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

תִּוָּסֵֽד׃11 of 11

“Thy foundation shall be laid”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

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 44:28 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 44:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 36:22-1:3Isaiah 45:1Daniel 10:1Isaiah 45:13Ezra 6:3-18Isaiah 46:11

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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