Isaiah 41:12
Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Original Language Analysis
תְּבַקְשֵׁם֙
Thou shalt seek
H1245
תְּבַקְשֵׁם֙
Thou shalt seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
1 of 10
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִמְצָאֵ֔ם
them and shalt not find
H4672
תִמְצָאֵ֔ם
them and shalt not find
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אַנְשֵׁ֖י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֖י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 10
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)
יִהְי֥וּ
H1961
יִהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְאַ֛יִן
H369
וּכְאֶ֖פֶס
against thee shall be as nothing and as a thing of nought
H657
וּכְאֶ֖פֶס
against thee shall be as nothing and as a thing of nought
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
8 of 10
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
Historical Context
Where are the mighty Babylonians now? The empire that seemed eternal disappeared, while the covenant people God promised to preserve continue through history—a powerful apologetic for God's faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the eventual fate of God's enemies inform your perspective on current opposition?
- What does it mean that those who war against God become 'as nothing' while God's people endure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The search for enemies becomes futile—they won't be found because they'll cease to exist ('ayin' and 'ephes'—nothing, zero). The threefold emphasis (not find, as nothing, as nothing) stresses complete obliteration. God's enemies ultimately vanish into non-being; His people endure.