Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Original Language Analysis
הָרִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת
Behold the former things
H7223
הָרִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת
Behold the former things
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
1 of 10
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
בָ֑אוּ
are come to pass
H935
בָ֑אוּ
are come to pass
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מַגִּ֔יד
do I declare
H5046
מַגִּ֔יד
do I declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
בְּטֶ֥רֶם
H2962
בְּטֶ֥רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
תִּצְמַ֖חְנָה
before they spring forth
H6779
תִּצְמַ֖חְנָה
before they spring forth
Strong's:
H6779
Word #:
8 of 10
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Isaiah 43:19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.John 13:19Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.Joshua 21:45There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.
Historical Context
The 'former things' include predictions fulfilled in the exile; 'new things' refer to return from Babylon and ultimately the New Covenant in Christ. God's track record validates future promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's pattern of announcing and fulfilling strengthen your trust in unfulfilled promises?
- What 'new things' is God doing in your life that you need eyes to see?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God points to fulfilled prophecy ('former things are come to pass') as validation, then announces 'new things' before they emerge. The Hebrew 'chadash' (new) emphasizes unprecedented redemption. Predictive prophecy distinguishes the true God from false gods—only He knows and declares the future because He controls it.