King James Version

What Does Isaiah 45:6 Mean?

Isaiah 45:6 in the King James Version says “That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

Isaiah 45:6 · KJV


Context

4

For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

5

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

6

That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.

7

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

8

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's purpose extends beyond Israel to universal knowledge: 'That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me.' The east-to-west language encompasses all humanity. The repeated assertion 'I am the LORD, and there is none else' establishes the foundational truth that all creation will eventually acknowledge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Persian Empire stretched from Egypt to India, giving unprecedented scope for God's name to be known. Cyrus's decree mentioning Israel's God spread divine fame across the known world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is God using global events to make His name known from east to west?
  2. What role do you play in declaring that there is no God beside the LORD?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לְמַ֣עַן1 of 12
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יֵדְע֗וּ2 of 12

That they may know

H3045

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

מִמִּזְרַח3 of 12

from the rising

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙4 of 12

of the sun

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וּמִמַּ֣עֲרָבָ֔ה5 of 12

and from the west

H4628

the west (as a region of the evening sun)

כִּי6 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶ֖פֶס7 of 12

that there is none

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

בִּלְעָדָ֑י8 of 12

beside

H1107

except, without, besides

אֲנִ֥י9 of 12
H589

i

יְהוָ֖ה10 of 12

me I am the LORD

H3068

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

וְאֵ֥ין11 of 12
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֽוֹד׃12 of 12
H5750

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


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 45:6 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 45:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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