Isaiah 41:20
That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֧עַן
H4616
לְמַ֧עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִרְא֣וּ
That they may see
H7200
יִרְא֣וּ
That they may see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְיֵדְע֗וּ
and know
H3045
וְיֵדְע֗וּ
and know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְיָשִׂ֤ימוּ
and consider
H7760
וְיָשִׂ֤ימוּ
and consider
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
4 of 14
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
וְיַשְׂכִּ֙ילוּ֙
and understand
H7919
וְיַשְׂכִּ֙ילוּ֙
and understand
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
5 of 14
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַד
that the hand
H3027
יַד
that the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עָ֣שְׂתָה
hath done
H6213
עָ֣שְׂתָה
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּקְד֥וֹשׁ
this and the Holy One
H6918
וּקְד֥וֹשׁ
this and the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
12 of 14
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Job 12:9Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?Isaiah 44:23Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.Isaiah 43:21This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.Exodus 9:16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.Psalms 109:27That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.2 Thessalonians 1:10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Historical Context
The miraculous return and restoration would serve as testimony to watching nations that Israel's God alone has power to fulfill promises and transform impossibility into reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate awareness that recognizes God's hand in transformative events?
- What does it mean to 'consider and understand together' God's works in community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The purpose of this transformation is knowledge: 'That they may see...know...consider...understand together' that God's hand has done this. The fourfold progression emphasizes complete, shared recognition of divine action. The passive voice 'it is created' reveals God as sole actor—human effort doesn't produce this change.