Isaiah 41:21
Isaiah 41:21 in Multiple Translations
“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.
Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.
Produce your cause, saith Jehovah; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.
Put forward your cause, says the Lord; let your strong argument come out, says the King of Jacob.
“Now you submit your case,” says the Lord. “Present your evidence,” says the King of Jacob.
Stand to your cause, saith the Lord: bring forth your strong reasons, saith ye King of Iaakob.
Bring near your cause, saith Jehovah, Bring nigh your mighty ones, saith the king of Jacob.
Produce your cause,” says the LORD. “Bring out your strong reasons!” says the King of Jacob.
Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons , saith the King of Jacob.
Bring your cause near, saith the Lord: bring hither, if you have any thing to allege, saith the King of Jacob.
I, Yahweh, the true king of Israel say to you nations, “Tell what your idols can do for you!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 41:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קָרְב֥וּ
רִֽיבְ/כֶ֖ם
יֹאמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֑ה
הַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
עֲצֻמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
יֹאמַ֖ר
מֶ֥לֶךְ
יַעֲקֹֽב
קָרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
רִֽיבְ/כֶ֖ם
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
to approach
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
עֲצֻמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻatstsumâh
H6110
defense
N-fp | Suff
יֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יַעֲקֹֽב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:21
קָרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
רִֽיבְ/כֶ֖ם
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַגִּ֨ישׁוּ֙
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
עֲצֻמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻatstsumâh
H6110
"defense"
N-fp | Suff
This word means defense or argument, describing a strong bulwark or fortress. It is used figuratively to describe a strong argument or defense. The KJV translates it as strong.
Definition: defence, argument, strong
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: strong. See also: Isaiah 41:21.
יֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יַעֲקֹֽב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:21
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:21
Context — Meaningless Idols
19I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together,
20so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”
21“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob.
22“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. 23Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 23:3–4 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. |
| 2 | Job 38:3 | Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. |
| 3 | Micah 6:1–2 | Hear now what the LORD says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: |
| 4 | Job 40:7–9 | “Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like His? |
| 5 | Job 31:37 | I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— |
Isaiah 41:21 Summary
In Isaiah 41:21, God is essentially saying, 'Bring it on, let the other so-called gods try to prove themselves.' He's confident in His own power and sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 115:3, where it says that our God is in the heavens and does all that He pleases. This verse reminds us that God is the one true God, and we can trust in His power and wisdom. As it says in Jeremiah 32:17, nothing is too hard for God, and we can have confidence in His ability to accomplish all that He has planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Isaiah 41:21 and why is God asking others to present their case?
In Isaiah 41:21, God is challenging the idols and false gods to present their case and show their power, as seen in the surrounding verses, Isaiah 41:19-20, where God is declaring His own power and creation. This is similar to the challenge in Isaiah 44:7, where God asks the idols to declare what is to come.
Is God being sarcastic in Isaiah 41:21 when He asks others to submit their arguments?
While God's tone in Isaiah 41:21 may seem sarcastic, it is actually a declaration of His sovereignty and a challenge to the false gods to demonstrate their power, as seen in Psalm 96:5, which states that all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
How does Isaiah 41:21 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty and power?
Isaiah 41:21 highlights God's sovereignty and power by challenging the false gods to demonstrate their ability to declare what is to come, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His counsel will stand and He will accomplish all His purpose.
What is the significance of God being referred to as the King of Jacob in Isaiah 41:21?
The reference to God as the King of Jacob in Isaiah 41:21 emphasizes His relationship with His people, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6, where God declares that the Israelites are His treasured possession, and in Psalm 95:6-7, where God is declared to be the King of His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to put my trust in idols or false gods, and how can I apply the truth of Isaiah 41:21 to those areas?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty and power, as declared in Isaiah 41:21, bring me comfort and peace in times of uncertainty?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, declare the wonders of God's creation and His power, as seen in Isaiah 41:19-20, and give Him the glory that is due to Him?
- What are some ways that I can, like God in Isaiah 41:21, challenge the false narratives and idols in my life and declare the truth of God's Word?
- How can I, in my daily life, demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and power, as declared in Isaiah 41:21, and live in accordance with His will?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:21
Produce your cause, saith the Lord,.... The Lord having comforted his people under their afflictions and persecutions from their enemies in the first times of Christianity, returns to the controversy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:21
Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
Produce your cause: the prophet having pleaded God’ s cause against the idolatrous Gentiles, whom he challenged to a dispute, , he now reneweth the challenge, and gives them liberty and invitation to speak whatsoever they can on the behalf of their idols. Bring forth your strong reasons, to prove the divinity of your idols.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
Isaiah 41:21 Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong [reasons], saith the King of Jacob.Ver. 21. Produce your cause, saith the Lord.] He had dealt with the heathens, and convinced them; now have at their gods: and their best proofs are called for. Bring forth your strong reasons.] Heb., Your bony arguments, argumenta trabalia; but, alas! they had none such. Saith the king of Jacob.] Not the God of Jacob; for that was now the matter in question, whether he were God, or the heathen deities. And because they were silent, and to seek of such arguments, he helpeth them to a couple. τοζητουμενον.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
(21) Produce your cause.—The scene of Isa 41:1 is reproduced. The worshippers of idols, as the prophet sees them in his vision hurrying hither and thither to consult their oracles, are challenged, on the ground not only of the great things God hath done, but of His knowledge of those things. The history of Herodotus supplies some striking illustrations. Crœus and the Cumœans, and the Phocæans, and the Athenians are all sending to Delphi, or consulting their seers, as to this startling apparition of a new conqueror. Your strong reasons.—Literally, bulwarks, or strongholds. So we speak of impregnable proofs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
Verse 21. Bring forth your strong reasons - "Produce these your mighty powers"] "Let your idols come forward which you consider to be so very strong." Hieron. in loc. I prefer this to all other interpretations of this place; and to Jerome's own translation of it, which he adds immediately after, Afferte, si quid forte habetis. "Bring it forward, if haply ye have any thing." The false gods are called upon to come forth and appear in person; and to give evident demonstration of their foreknowledge and power by foretelling future events, and exerting their power in doing good or evil.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:21
21–24. The argument of Isa 41:1-4 is resumed, but now the idols (Isaiah 41:23), not their worshippers, are addressed. Foreknowledge is the test of divinity. Can the idols produce any instance whatever of their power to predict, or indeed any proof of life and activity at all?
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:21
Produce your cause - This address is made to the same persons who are referred to in Isaiah 41:1 - the worshippers of idols; and the prophet here returns to the subject with reference to a further
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:21
21. Produce your cause — Jehovah’s address is here again to the idolaters. He demands that they do their best in bringing proofs of the power of their so-called gods.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a tabernacle as a place of refuge and protection from the elements. He then transitions to the topic of the day of the Lord, wh |
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The Sure Word of God, pt.2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He shares his personal experience of how God's Word has pro |
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Plead Your Case by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches on the power of prayer and presenting our cases before God in times of trouble. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention through prayer, cit |
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Psalms 118:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of prophecy as a foundation for faith, illustrating how it foretells events, particularly the rejection of the Messiah by religious leaders. |
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Don't Panic by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's patience and invitation for His children to bring their concerns to Him, especially during times of crisis. He reassures that in moments of panic, |
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A Time to Do Nothing by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on God through the story of Saul, who, despite being anointed and blessed by God, fell into disobedience and despair when faced |