King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:13 Mean?

Isaiah 45:13 in the King James Version says “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 ca...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 45:13 · KJV

Context

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

14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

15

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.

Read Isaiah 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God explicitly claims to have raised up Cyrus 'in righteousness' and promises to 'direct all his ways.' Cyrus will build God's city and release God's captives - not for price or reward. The Hebrew 'mechir' (price) emphasizes that Israel's release is not a business transaction but divine grace operating through Cyrus.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4) fulfilled this precisely: he commanded Jerusalem's rebuilding and freed Jewish captives. His motivations appeared political, but God directed his ways for redemptive purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God direct the ways of rulers to accomplish His purposes?
  2. What does it mean that your redemption was not purchased by human price but by divine grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
אָנֹכִי֙1 of 18
H595

i

הַעִירֹתִ֣הֽוּ2 of 18

“I have raised him up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

בְצֶ֔דֶק3 of 18

“in righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וְכָל4 of 18
H3605

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

דְּרָכָ֖יו5 of 18

“all his ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲיַשֵּׁ֑ר6 of 18

“and I will direct”

H3474

to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous

הֽוּא7 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִבְנֶ֤ה8 of 18

“he shall build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עִירִי֙9 of 18

“my city”

H5892

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

וְגָלוּתִ֣י10 of 18

“my captives”

H1546

captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)

יְשַׁלֵּ֔חַ11 of 18

“and he shall let go”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לֹ֤א12 of 18
H3808

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

בִמְחִיר֙13 of 18

“not for price”

H4242

price, payment, wages

וְלֹ֣א14 of 18
H3808

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

בְשֹׁ֔חַד15 of 18

“nor reward”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

אָמַ֖ר16 of 18

“saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה17 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָאֽוֹת׃18 of 18

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 45:13 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 45:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 41:2Isaiah 49:25Isaiah 13:172 Chronicles 36:22-23Isaiah 41:25Isaiah 42:6

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 45 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 45 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes