King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:3 Mean?

Isaiah 48:3 in the King James Version says “I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.”

Isaiah 48:3 · KJV

Context

1

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

2

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.

3

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.

4

Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; obstinate: Heb. hard

5

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's declaration 'I have declared the former things from the beginning' establishes His prophetic credentials through fulfilled predictions. The phrase 'I did them suddenly, and they came to pass' emphasizes divine sovereignty in executing purposes. This pattern of prediction-fulfillment validates Scripture's divine origin and assures that future promises (new covenant, Christ's return) are equally certain.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'former things' include predictions of Assyrian invasion, Babylonian exile, and Cyrus's decree - all fulfilled exactly. This demonstrable track record distinguishes biblical prophecy from vague pagan oracles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do God's fulfilled prophecies strengthen your confidence in yet-unfulfilled promises?
  2. What 'former things' has God done in your life that assure you of His present and future faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הָרִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙1 of 9

“the former things”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

מֵאָ֣ז2 of 9

“from the beginning”

H227

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

הִגַּ֔דְתִּי3 of 9

“I have declared”

H5046

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

וּמִפִּ֥י4 of 9

“out of my mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יָצְא֖וּ5 of 9

“and they went forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְאַשְׁמִיעֵ֑ם6 of 9

“and I shewed”

H8085

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

פִּתְאֹ֥ם7 of 9

“them suddenly”

H6597

instantly

עָשִׂ֖יתִי8 of 9

“them I did”

H6213

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

וַתָּבֹֽאנָה׃9 of 9

“and they came to pass”

H935

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

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 48:3 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 48:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:9Joshua 21:45Isaiah 41:22Isaiah 45:21Isaiah 44:7-8Isaiah 43:9

Test Your Knowledge

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