Isaiah 41:23
Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.
Original Language Analysis
הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙
Shew
H5046
הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙
Shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לְאָח֔וֹר
hereafter
H268
לְאָח֔וֹר
hereafter
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
3 of 13
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
H3045
וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה
that we may know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
that ye are gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
that ye are gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
8 of 13
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
תֵּיטִ֣יבוּ
yea do good
H3190
תֵּיטִ֣יבוּ
yea do good
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
9 of 13
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
וְתָרֵ֔עוּ
or do evil
H7489
וְתָרֵ֔עוּ
or do evil
Strong's:
H7489
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
וְנִשְׁתָּ֖עָה
that we may be dismayed
H8159
וְנִשְׁתָּ֖עָה
that we may be dismayed
Strong's:
H8159
Word #:
11 of 13
to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil
Cross References
Isaiah 42:9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.Jeremiah 10:5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.John 13:19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
Historical Context
Babylonian gods remained silent about Cyrus's rise and Babylon's fall, while Isaiah's God declared both 150 years in advance. This concrete failure vindicated God's uniqueness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern ideologies fail the test of predicting outcomes or changing reality?
- What does the silence of false gods teach about discerning truth from deception?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God challenges idols to predict or act: 'shew the things that are to come hereafter' or 'do good, or do evil.' The either/or shows that any demonstration of power—beneficial or harmful—would prove divinity. Complete silence and inaction expose false gods as 'nothing.' The purpose is that observers would be 'dismayed' (amazed) and see together.