Isaiah 45:23
Isaiah 45:23 in Multiple Translations
By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
By myself have I taken an oath, a true word has gone from my mouth, and will not be changed, that to me every knee will be bent, and every tongue will give honour.
I have sworn by my own self, I have spoken what is right, and I won't ever go back on it. Everyone shall bow before me; everyone shall acknowledge me.
I haue sworne by my selfe: the worde is gone out of my mouth in righteousnesse, and shall not returne, That euery knee shall bowe vnto me, and euery tongue shall sweare by me.
By Myself I have sworn, Gone out from my mouth in righteousness hath a word, And it turneth not back, That to Me, bow doth every knee, every tongue swear.
I have sworn by myself. The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not be revoked, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
I have sworn by myself, the word of justice shall go out of my mouth, and shall not return:
I have solemnly declared, using my own name; I [SYN] have spoken what is true, and I will never change what I have said: Some day, everyone [SYN] will bow in front of me, and they will all solemnly promise to be loyal to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 45:23
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 45:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ֣/י
נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי
יָצָ֨א
מִ/פִּ֧/י
צְדָקָ֛ה
דָּבָ֖ר
וְ/לֹ֣א
יָשׁ֑וּב
כִּי
לִ/י֙
תִּכְרַ֣ע
כָּל
בֶּ֔רֶךְ
תִּשָּׁבַ֖ע
כָּל
לָשֽׁוֹן
בִּ֣/י
Prep | Suff
נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
יָצָ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מִ/פִּ֧/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
צְדָקָ֛ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
תִּכְרַ֣ע
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בֶּ֔רֶךְ
berek
H1290
knee
N-fs
תִּשָּׁבַ֖ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
לָשֽׁוֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 45:23
בִּ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
נִשְׁבַּ֔עְתִּי
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
יָצָ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/פִּ֧/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
צְדָקָ֛ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָשׁ֑וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
תִּכְרַ֣ע
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֶּ֔רֶךְ
berek
H1290
"knee"
N-fs
The knee represents a part of the body used for movement and flexibility. In the Bible, kneeling is often a sign of respect, fear, or weakness. The word for knee is also related to feelings of fear or trembling.
Definition: 1) knee 2) weak from fear (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: be.rekh (בְּרַךְ "knee" H1291)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: knee. See also: Genesis 30:3; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 109:24.
תִּשָּׁבַ֖ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לָשֽׁוֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
Study Notes — Isaiah 45:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 45:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:23
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
- Sermons on Isaiah 45:23
Context — God Calls Cyrus
21Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me.
22Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
23By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
24Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. 25In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 2:10 | that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, |
| 2 | Romans 14:10–12 | Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:11 | so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. |
| 4 | Hebrews 6:13–18 | When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 6:13 | Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. |
| 6 | Isaiah 65:16 | Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight. |
| 7 | Isaiah 45:19 | I have not spoken in secret, from a place in a land of darkness. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in a wasteland.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I say what is right. |
| 8 | Psalms 63:11 | But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut. |
| 9 | Psalms 132:2 | how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: |
| 10 | Isaiah 44:3–5 | For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams. One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.” |
Isaiah 45:23 Summary
[Isaiah 45:23 tells us that God has made a promise that will never be broken, and that one day every person will acknowledge His authority and swear allegiance to Him. This means that God is the ultimate ruler of the universe, and we will all have to give an account to Him (Romans 14:11). In the meantime, we can choose to bow our knees to God and pledge our loyalty to Him, which is the same message given in Isaiah 45:22, to turn to God and be saved. By doing so, we can experience the salvation and redemption that God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to swear by Himself in Isaiah 45:23?
Since God is the ultimate authority, He swears by Himself to emphasize the certainty and unchangeability of His promise, as seen in Hebrews 6:13 where it says God could swear by no one greater, so He swore by Himself.
Will every person really bow before God as stated in Isaiah 45:23?
Yes, according to Philippians 2:10-11, every knee will bow before Jesus Christ, which includes all people, whether they are believers or not, acknowledging His lordship over all creation.
What does it mean to swear allegiance to God?
Swearing allegiance to God means to pledge loyalty and devotion to Him, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:13 where we are commanded to fear and serve the Lord God.
How does this verse relate to our salvation?
This verse emphasizes God's universal sovereignty and the inevitability of all people acknowledging Him, which is linked to the call to salvation in Isaiah 45:22, where it says to turn to God and be saved.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to bow my knee to God in my daily life, and how can I demonstrate my allegiance to Him?
- How does the certainty of God's promise in Isaiah 45:23 give me confidence in His plan for my life?
- In what ways can I, like Isaiah, proclaim the truth of God's Word and His sovereignty to those around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting or neglecting to swear allegiance to God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself,.... Christ being the true God, he could swear by no greater, Hebrews 6:13, this shows that what follows, and is here sworn unto, is of great importance, and strictly true, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself, which is the highest and most solemn oath that is possible, , and therefore signifies that the matter here sworn is of an extraordinary importance. The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness; it is not a vain word rashly uttered, and afterwards never remembered nor observed, but what I sincerely speak, and will most faithfully and infallibly perform. Shall not return, to wit, unto me void, or without effect, as this phrase is more fully delivered, . It is a metaphor from ambassadors, who sometimes return to their princes without any success in their business. Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear; not only the Jews, but a people of all nations, shall worship me, and submit to my laws; which is signified by an outward act, the bowing of the knee, Which is a posture of reverence and subjection; and by one eminent part of God’ s worship, which is swearing by his name.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.Ver. 23. That unto me every knee.] I will be known and obeyed all the world over, sc., by Christians. Of the Jews Jerome noteth, quod mentis superbiam demonstrantes genu non flectunt, that they bow not the knee in God’ s service, but only stand up at times.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
(23) I have sworn by myself.—The highest conceivable form of asseveration (Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:5; Hebrews 6:13). Unto me every knee shall bow.—The faith of Israel becomes the religion of mankind, though, from the prophet’s standpoint, Israel does not lose its distinctive nationality. We note the application of the words to the Christ in Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
Verse 23. I have sworn by myself] במימרי bemeymri, by my WORD: and the word - פתגם pithyam, or saying, to distinguish it from the personal substantial WORD meymra, mentioned before. See the Targum. The word is gone out of my mouth - "Truth is gone forth from my mouth; the word"] So the Septuagint distinguish the members of the sentence, preserving the elegance of the construction and the clearness of the sense.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 45:23
23. By myself have I sworn] Cf. Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:5; and see Hebrews 6:13. The form of Jehovah’s oath by Himself is given in ch. Isaiah 49:18, “as I live, saith Jehovah.” the word is gone out &c.] Or, as R.V. marg.: righteousness is gone forth from my mouth, a word which (lit. “and it”) shall not return (cf. ch. Isaiah 55:10 f.). righteousness here means that which shall be verified,—a word to which the deed will correspond. every knee shall bow (in homage, 1 Kings 19:18), every tongue shall swear (fealty, ch. Isaiah 19:18)]. The reading “confess” is substituted for “swear” in some codices of the LXX., as in Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10-11. 24, 25 express the faith of the religious community of the future. Surely, shall one say, in the Lord &c.] Better: Only in Jehovah, shall one say, &c. The R.V. gives a different turn to the thought by including the word for “to me” in the parenthesis (“shall one say to me” [marg. “of me”]); while the A.V. treats it as part of the main sentence (“there is to me,” i.e. “I have”).
On the former view righteousness and strength are divine attributes; on the latter they are blessings bestowed by Jehovah on men. The rendering of A.V. is preferable, although it is opposed to the Hebr. accents. righteousness] lit. “righteousnesses,” the idea being intensified by the plural. It is often used of the mighty acts of Jehovah, the individual instances in which His righteous character is manifested (1 Samuel 12:7; Mi. Isaiah 6:5; Psalms 71:15 ff. &c.); here in like manner it must denote the experiences through which a right relation to God is verified. The parallelism with “strength” shews that it is almost identical with salvation or victory (see on ch. Isaiah 41:2 and Isaiah 46:13). even to him … ashamed] to him shall one come &c.; or, to him shall come with shame all that were incensed (Isaiah 41:11) against him. The verb “be ashamed” seems merely to be a qualification of “shall come.”
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 45:23
I have sworn by myself - This verse contains a fuller statement of the truth intimated in the previous verse, that the benefits of salvation should yet be extended to all the world.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 45:23
23. Unto me — To God as supreme. His claim cannot be set aside. Every knee shall bow — Thus acknowledging him as the only supreme One. Every tongue shall swear — Same idea made lucid to all.
Sermons on Isaiah 45:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Not Yet Time by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of judging and criticizing others, particularly fellow Christians. He uses the example of King David, who committed adultery |
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Articles of Engagement for Spiritual Warfare by Darrell Champlin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a witch doctor and witnessing the power of God. The speaker describes how the witch doctor attempted to har |
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Who Is Christ? by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and confessing who Jesus is. He starts by discussing the foundational doctrines of the Word of God and the eternal |
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Marks of a True Conversion by George Whitefield | Wayne Barber explains the significance of the Bema Seat judgment in Romans 14, emphasizing that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of th |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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Seeking the Face of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to be afraid because they know how it's going to end. He references the book of Revelation, where it is revealed that Jesus |
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Agony (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, prayer, love, and dedication in the Christian life. He criticizes the weakness and lack of vision among Christia |