King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:1 Mean?

Isaiah 45:1 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; have: or, strengthened

Isaiah 45:1 · KJV


Context

1

Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; have: or, strengthened

2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight : I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

3

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God calls Cyrus 'his anointed' (mashiach - the same word for Messiah). This is extraordinary: a pagan Persian king receives the title usually reserved for Israel's kings and priests. God holds his 'right hand' (position of power and favor) to subdue nations and loose kings' armor. The Hebrew 'pathach' (open) promises that gates and doors will not be shut before him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC by diverting the Euphrates River and entering through unguarded river gates - doors were literally opened. Ancient historians Herodotus and Xenophon confirm this remarkable fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of the term 'anointed' for a pagan king expand your understanding of His sovereignty?
  2. What does it mean that God holds the right hand even of those who don't know Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כֹּה1 of 20
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 20

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֮3 of 20

the LORD

H3068

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

לִמְשִׁיחוֹ֮4 of 20

to his anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

לְכ֣וֹרֶשׁ5 of 20

to Cyrus

H3566

koresh (or cyrus), the persian king

אֲשֶׁר6 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֶחֱזַ֣קְתִּי7 of 20

I have holden

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בִֽימִינ֗וֹ8 of 20

whose right hand

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

לְרַד9 of 20

to subdue

H7286

to tread in pieces, i.e., (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay

לְפָנָיו֙10 of 20

before

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

גּוֹיִ֔ם11 of 20

nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּמָתְנֵ֥י12 of 20

the loins

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

מְלָכִ֖ים13 of 20

of kings

H4428

a king

לִפְתֹּ֤חַ14 of 20

him and I will loose

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לִפְתֹּ֤חַ15 of 20

him and I will loose

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לְפָנָיו֙16 of 20

before

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

דְּלָתַ֔יִם17 of 20

him the two leaved gates

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וּשְׁעָרִ֖ים18 of 20

and the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֹ֥א19 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִסָּגֵֽרוּ׃20 of 20

shall not be shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender


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 45:1 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 45:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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