Menu

Isaiah 41:25

Isaiah 41:25 in Multiple Translations

I have raised up one from the north, and he has come— one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay.

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

I have raised up one from the north, and he is come; from the rising of the sun one that calleth upon my name: and he shall come upon rulers as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.

I have sent for one from the north, and from the dawn he has come; in my name he will get rulers together and go against them; they will be like dust, even as the wet earth is stamped on by the feet of the potter.

I have encouraged the one who comes from the north. He is from the east, and will respect me. He will tread on rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter treading on clay.

I haue raised vp from the North, and he shall come: from the East sunne shall he cal vpon my Name, and shall come vpon princes as vpon clay, and as the potter treadeth myre vnder the foote.

I have stirred up [one] from the north, And he cometh, From the rising of the sun he calleth in My name, And he cometh in [on] prefects as [on] clay, And as a potter treadeth down mire.

“I have raised up one from the north, and he has come, from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name, and he shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come from the rising of the sun: he shall call upon my name, and he shall make princes to be as dirt, and as the potter treading clay.

“But I have incited/urged a ruler who will come with his army from the north. I have summoned him to come from his country, which is east of Israel, and I have given him my authority [MTY]. I will enable his army to conquer other rulers; they will trample those leaders like [SIM] a man who makes clay pots first tramples the clay.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:25

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 41:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַעִיר֤וֹתִי מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ וַ/יַּ֔את מִ/מִּזְרַח שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ יִקְרָ֣א בִ/שְׁמִ֑/י וְ/יָבֹ֤א סְגָנִים֙ כְּמוֹ חֹ֔מֶר וּ/כְמ֥וֹ יוֹצֵ֖ר יִרְמָס טִֽיט
הַעִיר֤וֹתִי ʻûwr H5782 to rouse V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon Prep | N-fs
וַ/יַּ֔את ʼâthâh H857 to come Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ/מִּזְרַח mizrâch H4217 east Prep | N-ms
שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 sun N-cs
יִקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff
וְ/יָבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
סְגָנִים֙ çâgân H5461 ruler N-mp
כְּמוֹ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep
חֹ֔מֶר chômer H2563 clay N-ms
וּ/כְמ֥וֹ kᵉmôw H3644 like Conj | Prep
יוֹצֵ֖ר yâtsar H3335 to form N-ms
יִרְמָס râmaç H7429 to trample V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
טִֽיט ṭîyṭ H2916 mud N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:25

הַעִיר֤וֹתִי ʻûwr H5782 "to rouse" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
מִ/צָּפוֹן֙ tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
וַ/יַּ֔את ʼâthâh H857 "to come" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
מִ/מִּזְרַח mizrâch H4217 "east" Prep | N-ms
This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.
Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.
שֶׁ֖מֶשׁ shemesh H8121 "sun" N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
יִקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בִ/שְׁמִ֑/י shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וְ/יָבֹ֤א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
סְגָנִים֙ çâgân H5461 "ruler" N-mp
A ruler is a person with authority and power, like a prince or governor. In the Bible, this word is used to describe leaders in Assyria and Babylon, who had control over provinces and people.
Definition: 1) ruler, prefect, governor, a subordinate ruler 1a) prefects (of Assyria and Babylon) 1b) petty rulers or officials Aramaic equivalent: se.gan (סְגַן "prefect" H5460)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:11; Isaiah 41:25.
כְּמוֹ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
חֹ֔מֶר chômer H2563 "clay" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a dry measure, about 65 gallons, or a heap of material like clay or mire. It is used in the Bible to describe measurements and substances.
Definition: 1) cement, mortar, clay 1a) mortar, cement 1b) clay 1c) mire
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: clay, heap, homer, mire, motion. See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 5:10.
וּ/כְמ֥וֹ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Conj | Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
יוֹצֵ֖ר yâtsar H3335 "to form" N-ms
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
יִרְמָס râmaç H7429 "to trample" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to trample or tread on something, often in a violent or abusive manner. It is used in the Bible to describe oppression or mistreatment. In KJV translations, it is rendered as 'oppressor' or 'trample'.
Definition: 1) to trample 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trample 1a2) trampler (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be trampled
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: oppressor, stamp upon, trample (under feet), tread (down, upon). See also: 2 Kings 7:17; Isaiah 26:6; Psalms 7:6.
טִֽיט ṭîyṭ H2916 "mud" N-ms
This word refers to mud or clay, and is also used figuratively to describe a difficult or calamitous situation. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of chaos or mess.
Definition: 1) mud, clay, mire, damp dirt 1a) mud, mire 1b) clay (poetical) Aramaic equivalent: tin (טִין "common" H2917)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: clay, dirt, mire. See also: 2 Samuel 22:43; Isaiah 57:20; Psalms 18:43.

Study Notes — Isaiah 41:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 41:2 Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
2 2 Samuel 22:43 I ground them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and trampled them like mud in the streets.
3 Isaiah 10:6 I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets.
4 Isaiah 46:10–11 I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.
5 Micah 7:10 Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets.
6 Zechariah 10:5 They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame.
7 Isaiah 44:28–6
8 Jeremiah 51:27–29 “Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her— Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts. Prepare the nations for battle against her— the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officials, and all the lands they rule. The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.
9 Isaiah 45:13 I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”
10 Ezra 1:2–3 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 41:25 Summary

[This verse is talking about a powerful leader who is coming to fulfill God's purposes, and who will easily overcome any obstacles in their path, much like a potter shapes and molds clay. This leader is special because they recognize and submit to God's authority, calling on His name. As we read this verse, we can be reminded of God's power and sovereignty in our own lives, and trust in His ability to shape and guide us, just like a potter with clay (see Jeremiah 18:6 and Romans 9:21). We can also be encouraged to 'call on God's name' and submit to His will, just like the leader in this verse.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the one raised up from the north in Isaiah 41:25?

The one raised up from the north is likely a reference to a powerful leader, such as Cyrus the Persian, who is mentioned in Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1, and who was used by God to fulfill His purposes.

What does it mean to 'march over rulers as if they were mortar'?

This phrase is a metaphor that means to easily overcome and dominate those in power, much like a potter has control over the clay they are shaping, as seen in Jeremiah 18:6 and Romans 9:21.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?

This verse highlights God's sovereignty and power, as He is the one who raises up leaders and determines the course of history, as stated in Daniel 2:21 and Psalm 135:6.

What is the significance of the leader 'calling on My name'?

The leader calling on God's name indicates a recognition of God's authority and a submission to His will, as seen in Psalm 91:14-16 and 2 Chronicles 14:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and power in my own life?
  2. What are some ways that I can 'call on God's name' and submit to His will, just like the leader in this verse?
  3. How can I apply the metaphor of the potter and the clay to my own relationship with God, recognizing His control and shaping in my life?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and sovereignty, just like the leader in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:25

I have raised up one from the north,.... Either one people, or one person; a mighty king, as the Targum; meaning either Cyrus, who might be said to come from the north, and from the rising of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:25

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:25

I have raised up; you neither foreknow nor can do any thing; but I do now foretell, and will certainly effect, great revolution and change in the world, which you shall not be able to hinder. One; which word, though not expressed in the Hebrew, must necessarily be understood, as being oft designed in the following words by the pronoun he. He understands one people; or rather one person, prince, or general, together with his people or forces, as appears from the latter part of the verse. Some conceive that the prophet in this place speaks of two several persons; in the first clause of Nebuchadnezzar, who in Scripture is commonly said to come from the north, as ,15 4:6; and the next clause of Cyrus, who came from the east, . And then the words may be thus rendered, one from the north, and he shall come; and one from the rising of the sun, he shall call, &c. But it seems more natural and easy to understand the whole context of one and the same person, even of Cyrus, of whom he spake before, , &c., who might well be said to come, both from the north and from the east: from the north rather, because he was a Mede by his mother, as he was a Persian by his father; or because a great part of his army was gathered out of Media, which was, and in Scripture is said to be, northward in reference to Judea, ,41 51:48; and because Darius the Mede was joined with him in this expedition: and from the east, because Persia was directly eastward from Judea. And peradventure this work of calling upon or proclaiming God’ s name is here ascribed to him as he came from the east, rather than as he came from the north, because that work was not done by Darius the Mede, but by Cyrus the Persian. Shall he call upon my name; or rather, as others render it, who shall call upon; or rather, proclaim my name, which Cyrus did in express and emphatical terms, 2. He shall come upon princes as upon mortar; treading them down as easily as a man treadeth down mortar.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:25

Isaiah 41:25 I have raised up [one] from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as [upon] morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.Ver. 25. I have raised up one from the north.] Here God beginneth to prove that he can do both those things, whereof the heathen vanities could do neither. This one in the text is Cyrus, say some; Christ, say others, by whom God here foretelleth that he will punish his enemies, but do good to his Church and chosen. He shall call upon my name.] Or, Proclaim my name.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:25

(25) I have raised up one from the north.—The north points to Media, the east to Persia, both of them under the rule of the great Deliverer. Shall he call upon my name.—The word admits equally of the idea of “invoking” or “proclaiming.” It may almost be said, indeed, that the one implies the other. The words find a fulfilment in the proclamations of Cyrus cited in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:2-4 He shall come upon princes.—The Hebrew noun Sagan is a transitional form of a Persian (Delitzch) or Assyrian (Cheyne) title for a viceroy or satrap. As the potter treadeth clay.—Commonly the image describes the immediate action of Jehovah. (Jeremiah 18:6; Jeremiah 19:10). Here it is used for the supreme dominance of His instrument.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:25

Verse 25. I have raised up one from the north] "That is," says Kimchi, "the Messiah. The king of Assyria placed the ten tribes in Chalach and Chabar by the river Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 2Kg 17:6, which lands lie northerly and easterly." He shall come upon princes - "He shall trample on princes"] For יבא yabo, Le Clerc reads יבס yebes, from the Chaldee, who seems to read both words. "Forte legend. ויבס vaiyebes vel וירמס vaiyirmos: sequitur ס." "This should perhaps be read ויבס vaiyebes, or וירמס vaiyirmos: a ס samech follows." - Secker. See Nahum 3:14.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:25

25–29. The general argument is now brought to bear on the particular case of the raising up of Cyrus.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:25

I have raised up one - In the previous verses God had shown that the idols had no power of predicting future events.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:25

25. I have raised up one — Jehovah keeps the field as the moulder of history and foreteller of the future. In purpose he has “raised up one” from the north. In Isaiah 41:2 it is “from the east.” Both are true.

Sermons on Isaiah 41:25

SermonDescription
Denis Lyle When God Crashes the Party by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on the story of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, highlighting the tragic dissipation and revelry at the royal feast, where intemperance, impropriety, impiety, and idolat
Carter Conlon A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l
David Wilkerson Jehovah-Nissi by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hungering for God and wanting to know who He is. The message is part of a series of eight or nine messages. The speaker enc
Carter Conlon Death Is Only a Shadow by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the Christian walk beyond the initial stages of faith. Many believers tend to stay in the shallow knowledge
Art Katz The Making of an Apostle by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to God from the depths of our being rather than living superficially. He warns against receiving messages from m
John Piper The Supremacy of Christ by John Piper This sermon emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ in His eternality, constancy, knowledge, wisdom, authority, providence, power, purity, trustworthiness, justice, patience, obed
Stephen Kaung The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through unders

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate