King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:21 Mean?

Isaiah 45:21 in the King James Version says “Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath to... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Isaiah 45:21 · KJV


Context

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.

23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God challenges rivals to 'tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together.' He asks: 'who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time?' The answer: 'have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.' Prediction and salvation prove true deity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's prophecies about Cyrus, given 150 years before fulfillment, stand as evidence no other god can match. Prediction plus performance equals proof.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fulfilled prophecy demonstrate God's unique deity?
  2. What does it mean that God is both 'just' and 'Saviour'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הִגִּידָ֗הּ1 of 23

Tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וְהַגִּ֔ישׁוּ2 of 23

ye and bring them 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

אַ֥ף3 of 23
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יִֽוָּעֲצ֖וּ4 of 23

yea let them take counsel

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

יַחְדָּ֑ו5 of 23

together

H3162

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

מִ֣י6 of 23
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

הִשְׁמִיעַ֩7 of 23

who hath declared

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

זֹ֨את8 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מִקֶּ֜דֶם9 of 23

this from ancient time

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

מֵאָ֣ז10 of 23
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הִגִּידָ֗הּ11 of 23

Tell

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הֲל֨וֹא12 of 23
H3808

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

אֲנִ֤י13 of 23
H589

i

יְהוָה֙14 of 23

it from that time have not I the LORD

H3068

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

אַ֖יִן15 of 23

there is none

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ע֤וֹד16 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֱלֹהִים֙17 of 23

and there is no God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מִבַּלְעָדַ֔י18 of 23

else beside

H1107

except, without, besides

אֵֽל19 of 23

God

H410

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

צַדִּ֣יק20 of 23

me a just

H6662

just

וּמוֹשִׁ֔יעַ21 of 23

and a Saviour

H3467

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

אַ֖יִן22 of 23

there is none

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

זוּלָתִֽי׃23 of 23

beside

H2108

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except


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 45:21 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 45:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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