Isaiah 48:3
Isaiah 48:3 in Multiple Translations
I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.
I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
I have declared the former things from of old; yea, they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them: suddenly I did them, and they came to pass.
I gave word in the past of the things which came about; they came from my mouth, and I made them clear: suddenly I did them, and they came about.
I predicted long ago what was going to happen—I said it and let people know. Then suddenly I decided to act, and it all came true.
I haue declared ye former things of old, and they went out of my mouth, and I shewed them: I did them suddenly, and they came to passe.
The former things from that time I declared, And from my mouth they have gone forth, And I proclaim them, Suddenly I have done, and it cometh.
I have declared the former things from of old. Yes, they went out of my mouth, and I revealed them. I did them suddenly, and they happened.
I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth from my mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
The former things of old I have declared, and they went forth out of my mouth, and I have made them to be heard: I did them suddenly and they came to pass.
Long ago I [MTY] predicted what would happen [DOU]. And then suddenly, I caused those things to happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:3
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 48:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙
מֵ/אָ֣ז
הִגַּ֔דְתִּי
וּ/מִ/פִּ֥/י
יָצְא֖וּ
וְ/אַשְׁמִיעֵ֑/ם
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
וַ/תָּבֹֽאנָה
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
מֵ/אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Prep | Adv
הִגַּ֔דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
וּ/מִ/פִּ֥/י
peh
H6310
lip
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
יָצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/אַשְׁמִיעֵ֑/ם
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַ/תָּבֹֽאנָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:3
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
מֵ/אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
הִגַּ֔דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
וּ/מִ/פִּ֥/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Conj | 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.
יָצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
וְ/אַשְׁמִיעֵ֑/ם
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
עָשִׂ֖יתִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וַ/תָּבֹֽאנָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
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.
Study Notes — Isaiah 48:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 48:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:3
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
- Sermons on Isaiah 48:3
Context — Israel’s Stubbornness
1“Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness—
2who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.
3I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass.
4For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. 5Therefore I declared it to you long ago; I announced it before it came to pass, so that you could not claim, ‘My idol has done this; my carved image and molten god has ordained it.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 42:9 | Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” |
| 2 | Joshua 21:45 | Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled. |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:22 | “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. |
| 4 | Isaiah 44:7–8 | Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place. Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 45:21 | Speak 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. |
| 6 | Isaiah 43:9 | All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 46:9–10 | Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. 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.’ |
| 8 | Joshua 23:14–15 | Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you. |
| 9 | Isaiah 37:7 | Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’” |
| 10 | Isaiah 10:33–34 | Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. |
Isaiah 48:3 Summary
[Isaiah 48:3 tells us that God can predict and declare events before they happen, and then He makes them come true. This shows us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything, just like it says in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalm 115:3. He can do anything He wants, whenever He wants, and His plans always come to pass. We can trust God because He is faithful and always keeps His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 1 Corinthians 1:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says He 'foretold the former things long ago' in Isaiah 48:3?
This refers to God's ability to declare events before they happen, demonstrating His sovereignty and power, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of prophecy in the Bible?
Isaiah 48:3 highlights God's control over history, where He announces events before they occur, fulfilling them according to His plan, much like the prophecies in Daniel 2:1-49 and Matthew 24:1-51.
What is the significance of God saying 'Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass'?
This phrase emphasizes God's swift and powerful action in fulfilling His declared plans, showcasing His ability to bring about change quickly, as also seen in Psalm 33:9 and Romans 4:17.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's character?
Isaiah 48:3 reveals God as a faithful, all-knowing, and all-powerful being who is consistent in His actions and declarations, as stated in Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and declare His faithfulness, just as He has declared His plans and fulfilled them?
- How can I apply the principle of God's foreknowledge and power to my own circumstances, trusting that He is working everything out for my good, as in Romans 8:28?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith in God's ability to act swiftly and powerfully in my life, just as He has in the past, as seen in Exodus 14:1-31 and Acts 2:1-47?
- What are some 'former things' in my life that God has declared and fulfilled, and how can I use those experiences to strengthen my faith in His future plans for me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:3
I have declared the former things from the beginning,.... From the time of their first ancestors, from the time of Abraham their father, to whom was declared what should befall his posterity; that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:3
I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
I have declared the former things from the beginning; those things which have formerly come to pass, which I punctually foretold from time to time before they came to pass; whereby I gave you full proof of my Godhead. They came to pass; what my mouth foretold my hand effected.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
Isaiah 48:3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did [them] suddenly, and they came to pass.Ver. 3. I have declared the former things.] This God had said oft before; but being now to conclude this comfortable sermon, he repeats here the heads of what had been spoken in the seven foregoing chapters.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
(3) I have declared . . .—Once more, for the seventh time, the prophet presses the fact of the Divine foreknowledge, not, as before, against the “no-faith” of the heathen, but against the “little faith” of Judah.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:3
3. For from the beginning, render beforehand, or (as R.V.) “from of old.” they (the predictions) went forth out of my mouth … I did them] brought the events to pass; the rî’shônôth including both the predictions and their historical fulfilments (see on ch. Isaiah 41:22).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:3
I have declared the former things - That is, in former times I have predicted future events by the prophets, which have come to pass as they were foretold.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:3
3-5. I have declared — Or, have announced. Former things — Former events, before they came to pass; or, as some suppose, “and they have come to pass” Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 44:7-8.
Sermons on Isaiah 48:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Isaiah 46-47 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his prideful behavior. Nebuchadnezzar initially repents and walks humbly before God, but eventually falls bac |
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The Timelessness of God by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of our sinful condition and the consequences it brings. He highlights that God, in His kindness a |
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Prophecy and World Events by Dave Hunt | This sermon delves into the theological implications of prophecy as it relates to world events, emphasizing the unique nature of Bible prophecy and its fulfillment in current times |
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The Lord Can Present Us Perfect (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, trusting in His promises, and maintaining unity in the body of Christ. It highlights the need to overcome doubt, grumb |
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Schau Auf Jesus (6) (German) by George Verwer | In the sermon, the speaker describes a vision he had of Jesus riding on a white horse with a golden deck and crown, symbolizing his total lordship. The speaker also mentions hearin |
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God Is Bound to His Word by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'binding precedent' in prayer, illustrating how understanding God's past mercies can empower believers to pray boldly. He uses the example |
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There Failed Not Ought of Any Good Thing Which the Lord Had Spoken by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the faithfulness of God in his sermon, reminding us that one day we will fully understand the journey of our lives and the divine guidance we received throu |