King James Version

What Does Isaiah 46:11 Mean?

Isaiah 46:11 in the King James Version says “Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I wi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 46:11 · KJV

Context

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:

13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Read Isaiah 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Cyrus is called a 'ravenous bird' (bird of prey) from the east, imagery suggesting swift, decisive conquest. The declaration 'I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass' parallels God's creative word in Genesis - His speech accomplishes reality. The phrase 'I have purposed it, I will also do it' establishes divine immutability; God's purposes cannot be altered by human resistance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus II conquered Babylon in 539 BC, allowing Jewish return under Ezra/Nehemiah. His religious tolerance policy (documented in the Cyrus Cylinder) fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy while demonstrating how God uses pagan rulers for covenant purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan King Cyrus demonstrate His sovereignty over all earthly powers?
  2. What 'impossibilities' in your circumstances must bow to God's sovereign purpose?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
קֹרֵ֤א1 of 14

“Calling”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

מִמִּזְרָח֙2 of 14

“from the east”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

עַ֔יִט3 of 14

“a ravenous bird”

H5861

a hawk or other bird of prey

מֵאֶ֥רֶץ4 of 14

“country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מֶרְחָ֖ק5 of 14

“from a far”

H4801

remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar

אִ֣ישׁ6 of 14

“the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֲצָתִ֑ו7 of 14

“that executeth my counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

אַף8 of 14
H637

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

דִּבַּ֙רְתִּי֙9 of 14

“yea I have spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אַף10 of 14
H637

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

אֲבִיאֶ֔נָּה11 of 14

“it I will also bring”

H935

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

יָצַ֖רְתִּי12 of 14

“it to pass I have purposed”

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

אַף13 of 14
H637

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

אֶעֱשֶֽׂנָּה׃14 of 14

“it I will also 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 46:11 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 46:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 23:19Isaiah 14:24-27Job 23:13Isaiah 41:2Ephesians 1:11Acts 5:39

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 46 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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