King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:11 Mean?

Isaiah 45:11 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.”

Isaiah 45:11 · KJV

Context

9

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

10

Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?

11

Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

12

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

13

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. direct: or, make straight

Read Isaiah 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies Himself as 'the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker' before challenging: 'Ask me of things to come...command ye me.' The Hebrew 'tsavah' (command) seems shocking - can creatures command God? Yet the context suggests asking about God's work with His 'sons' and the 'work of my hands.' Faith can boldly ask God about His promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rather than questioning God's methods (verse 9-10), Isaiah encourages asking about God's revealed purposes. There's a difference between presumptuous challenging and faithful inquiry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between questioning God's wisdom and asking about His promises?
  2. How can you boldly approach God in faith about His declared purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כֹּֽה1 of 14
H3541

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

אָמַ֧ר2 of 14

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה3 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

קְד֥וֹשׁ4 of 14

“the Holy One”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל5 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְיֹצְר֑וֹ6 of 14

“and his Maker”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

הָאֹתִיּ֣וֹת7 of 14

“me of things to come”

H857

to arrive

שְׁאָל֔וּנִי8 of 14

“Ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

עַל9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּנַ֛י10 of 14

“concerning my sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְעַל11 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פֹּ֥עַל12 of 14

“and concerning the work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

יָדַ֖י13 of 14

“of my hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תְּצַוֻּֽנִי׃14 of 14

“command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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 45:11 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 45:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:3Isaiah 48:17Mark 11:24Ezekiel 36:37Ephesians 2:10Isaiah 29:23

Test Your Knowledge

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