Isaiah 14:24
The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Original Language Analysis
נִשְׁבַּ֛ע
hath sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֛ע
hath sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 14
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֞א
H3808
לֹ֞א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּמִּ֙יתִי֙
Surely as I have thought
H1819
דִּמִּ֙יתִי֙
Surely as I have thought
Strong's:
H1819
Word #:
8 of 14
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הָיָ֔תָה
H1961
הָיָ֔תָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָעַ֖צְתִּי
so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed
H3289
יָעַ֖צְתִּי
so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
12 of 14
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
Cross References
Proverbs 19:21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Job 23:13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.Jeremiah 29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Ephesians 1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:Acts 4:28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.Matthew 11:25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.Amos 8:7The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.Lamentations 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?Hebrews 4:3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.Psalms 92:5O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
Historical Context
This verse introduces a shift to judgment against Assyria (v.25), showing God's sovereign control over all nations—not just Babylon but also Assyria, the immediate threat to Isaiah's audience. The theological principle transcends specific historical fulfillments: whatever God decrees occurs. This is the foundation of prophetic reliability—God knows the future because He determines it. For Reformed theology, this grounds assurance: God's purposes in salvation, sanctification, and ultimate glorification cannot fail. If God purposed it, it stands. This also grounds holy fear: if God decreed judgment, it will surely come.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's absolute sovereignty ('as I have purposed, so shall it stand') provide comfort in a chaotic world?
- What does divine sovereignty over history teach about trusting God's promises regarding personal salvation and future hope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.' Divine oath ('the LORD of hosts hath sworn') guarantees fulfillment. God's thought and purpose determine reality: what He thinks becomes what occurs; what He purposes stands firm. This is divine sovereignty at its clearest: history conforms to God's will, not vice versa. The parallelism ('thought/come to pass,' 'purposed/stand') emphasizes certainty. This applies to the immediate context (Assyria's judgment, next verse) but also universally: God's plans are never frustrated, never revised, never defeated. His sovereignty is absolute and His word utterly reliable.