Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
ע֔וֹד
H5750
ע֔וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
זוּלָתִ֖י
beside
H2108
זוּלָתִ֖י
beside
Strong's:
H2108
Word #:
5 of 10
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
and there is none else there is no God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
and there is none else there is no God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 10
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
Cross References
Isaiah 44:8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.Isaiah 46:9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,Isaiah 44:6Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Joel 2:27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.1 Kings 8:60That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.Job 12:21He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Deuteronomy 4:35Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.Psalms 18:39For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.Deuteronomy 4:39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Historical Context
Against Persian dualism (Ahura Mazda vs. Angra Mainyu) and Babylonian polytheism, Isaiah asserts absolute monotheism. This became foundational for Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does absolute monotheism challenge religious pluralism and syncretism?
- What does it mean that God strengthens you even when you don't recognize His work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse states radical monotheism emphatically: 'I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me.' The Hebrew 'zulati' (beside/apart from) eliminates all alternatives. God girds (strengthens, prepares) Cyrus though Cyrus doesn't know Him. Divine sovereignty operates independently of human recognition.