Isaiah 40:21
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֤וֹא
H3808
הֲל֤וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵֽדְעוּ֙
Have ye not known
H3045
תֵֽדְעוּ֙
Have ye not known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
have ye not heard
H8085
תִשְׁמָ֔עוּ
have ye not heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הֲל֛וֹא
H3808
הֲל֛וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֻגַּ֥ד
hath it not been told
H5046
הֻגַּ֥ד
hath it not been told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מֵרֹ֖אשׁ
you from the beginning
H7218
מֵרֹ֖אשׁ
you from the beginning
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 12
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הֲלוֹא֙
H3808
הֲלוֹא֙
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֲבִ֣ינוֹתֶ֔ם
have ye not understood
H995
הֲבִ֣ינוֹתֶ֔ם
have ye not understood
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
10 of 12
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Historical Context
These questions appeal to Israel's covenant history and to general revelation visible to all humanity. Knowledge of the true God has always been available through His works and word.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of God's revelation in creation have you neglected or dismissed?
- How does Paul's argument in Romans 1:20 about God's invisible qualities being clearly seen echo this verse?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse shifts from idolatry's folly to God's self-evident existence and power. Four rhetorical questions pile up, each pressing the point: you should know these truths! The Hebrew 'shama' (heard) and 'bin' (understood) emphasize that God's revelation through creation and history is clear and undeniable.