King James Version

What Does Isaiah 46:10 Mean?

Isaiah 46:10 in the King James Version says “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”

Isaiah 46:10 · KJV

Context

8

Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors.

9

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. that: Heb. of my counsel

12

Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted , that are far from righteousness:

Read Isaiah 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's ability to declare 'the end from the beginning' demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over history, not as fatalistic determinism but as purposeful providence. The phrase 'My counsel shall stand' (Hebrew: ya'qum) means established, fulfilled, accomplished - God's decreed will cannot be thwarted. This foundational to Reformed theology's confidence in divine election, effectual calling, and certain glorification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy specifically anticipated Cyrus (named in 44:28, 45:1) freeing Israel 150 years future, demonstrating God's exhaustive foreknowledge. The fulfillment validated biblical prophecy against pagan divination.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's control over history's 'end' from its 'beginning' give you peace about current events?
  2. What areas of life do you struggle to trust God's sovereign counsel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מַגִּ֤יד1 of 13

“Declaring”

H5046

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

מֵֽרֵאשִׁית֙2 of 13

“from the beginning”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

אַחֲרִ֔ית3 of 13

“the end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

וּמִקֶּ֖דֶם4 of 13

“and from ancient times”

H6924

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹא6 of 13
H3808

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

אֶעֱשֶֽׂה׃7 of 13

“and I will do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹמֵר֙8 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲצָתִ֣י9 of 13

“My counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

תָק֔וּם10 of 13

“shall stand”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְכָל11 of 13
H3605

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

חֶפְצִ֖י12 of 13

“all my pleasure”

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

אֶעֱשֶֽׂה׃13 of 13

“and I will do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 46:10 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 46:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:21Psalms 33:11Ephesians 1:9-11Isaiah 43:13Isaiah 45:21Proverbs 21:30

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