King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:20 Mean?

Isaiah 45:20 in the King James Version says “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

Isaiah 45:20 · KJV


Context

18

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

19

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

20

Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

21

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nations are summoned to assemble and 'draw near together.' Those who carry wooden idols are exposed as having 'no knowledge' - they pray to gods that 'cannot save.' The Hebrew 'yasha' (save/deliver) is precisely what idols cannot do. Salvation requires power, knowledge, and will that no created object possesses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This courtroom scene (continuing from chapter 41) invites nations to present evidence for their gods' power. Their silence condemns their worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'have no knowledge' about the nature of true worship?
  2. How do modern forms of misplaced trust fail to save in life's crucial moments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הִקָּבְצ֥וּ1 of 17

Assemble

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

וָבֹ֛אוּ2 of 17

yourselves and come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הִֽתְנַגְּשׁ֥וּ3 of 17

draw near

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

יַחְדָּ֖ו4 of 17

together

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

פְּלִיטֵ֣י5 of 17

ye that are escaped

H6412

a refugee

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם6 of 17

of the nations

H1471

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

לֹ֣א7 of 17
H3808

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

יָדְע֗וּ8 of 17

they have no knowledge

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הַנֹּֽשְׂאִים֙9 of 17

that set up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת10 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵ֣ץ11 of 17

the wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

פִּסְלָ֔ם12 of 17

of their graven image

H6459

an idol

וּמִתְפַּלְלִ֔ים13 of 17

and pray

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֶל14 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֖ל15 of 17

unto a god

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

לֹ֥א16 of 17
H3808

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

יוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃17 of 17

that cannot save

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor


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 45:20 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 45:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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