King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:5 Mean?

Isaiah 48:5 in the King James Version says “I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 48:5 · King James Version

Context

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.

6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

7

They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
God predicted the future specifically 'lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them' - His detailed prophecies prevent false attribution of His works to idols. This demonstrates that one purpose of biblical prophecy is to secure God's exclusive glory. When God alone predicts and fulfills specific events, He proves His unique deity against all pretenders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Babylonian victory and subsequent Persian conquest both fulfilled Isaiah's prophecies, preventing Israel from attributing events to Marduk or other gods. The naming of Cyrus 150 years in advance (44:28) was particularly evidential.

Reflection Questions

  1. What blessings in your life might you wrongly attribute to secondary causes rather than God's direct provision?
  2. How can you cultivate habits that preserve God's glory in all your experiences?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וָאַגִּ֤יד1 of 13

“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

לְךָ֙2 of 13
H0
מֵאָ֔ז3 of 13

“I have even from the beginning”

H227

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

בְּטֶ֥רֶם4 of 13
H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

תָּב֖וֹא5 of 13

“it to thee before it came to pass”

H935

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

הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑יךָ6 of 13

“I shewed”

H8085

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

פֶּן7 of 13
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תֹּאמַר֙8 of 13

“it thee lest thou shouldest say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עָצְבִּ֣י9 of 13

“Mine idol”

H6090

an (idolatrous) image

עָשָׂ֔ם10 of 13

“hath done”

H6213

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

וּפִסְלִ֥י11 of 13

“them and my graven image”

H6459

an idol

וְנִסְכִּ֖י12 of 13

“and my molten image”

H5262

a libation; also a cast idol

צִוָּֽם׃13 of 13

“hath commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

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 48:5 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 48:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:3Luke 1:70Acts 15:18Jeremiah 44:15-18Isaiah 46:10Isaiah 42:8-9

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