Isaiah 48:13
Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.
Original Language Analysis
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 12
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
יָדִי֙
Mine hand
H3027
יָדִי֙
Mine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 12
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
יָ֣סְדָה
also hath laid the foundation
H3245
יָ֣סְדָה
also hath laid the foundation
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
3 of 12
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
וִֽימִינִ֖י
and my right hand
H3225
וִֽימִינִ֖י
and my right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
5 of 12
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
טִפְּחָ֣ה
hath spanned
H2946
טִפְּחָ֣ה
hath spanned
Strong's:
H2946
Word #:
6 of 12
to flatten out or extend (as a tent); figuratively, to nurse a child (as promotive of growth)
שָׁמָ֑יִם
the heavens
H8064
שָׁמָ֑יִם
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
7 of 12
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
קֹרֵ֥א
when I call
H7121
קֹרֵ֥א
when I call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Isaiah 40:26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.Isaiah 45:18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.Psalms 102:25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.Exodus 20:11For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.Isaiah 42:5Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:Isaiah 40:12Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?Isaiah 40:22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Psalms 147:4He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.Job 37:18Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
Historical Context
This creation theology refutes Babylonian myths where gods struggled to form cosmos from chaos. Isaiah's God speaks and creation instantly obeys, establishing absolute sovereignty as basis for confidence He can redeem Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- What does creation's instant obedience expose about your occasional reluctance to obey God's clear commands?
- How should the power that created ex nihilo encourage your faith in God's ability to solve your problems?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth' asserts God's creative sovereignty, while 'when I call unto them, they stand up together' depicts creation's instant obedience. This contrasts with human resistance (v. 8) - inanimate creation obeys immediately while rational beings rebel. The picture anticipates Christ calming the storm (Mark 4:39), demonstrating divine authority.