That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

ISAIAH 41:20KJV
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Isaiah 41:20 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:20 mean?

Isaiah 41:20 describes how God’s actions are meant to be so clear and remarkable that everyone will see, recognize, think about, and understand together that it is the LORD who has done these things, and that the Holy One of Israel is the Creator behind them. The verse emphasizes that God’s involvement will be unmistakable to all.

In this part of Isaiah, God is speaking through the prophet to reassure the people of Israel, who are facing hardship and doubt. The verse comes after promises of restoration and miraculous change, showing that these wonders are meant to point everyone back to God as the source. The language highlights a process: seeing leads to knowing, considering, and finally understanding together that God alone is responsible.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:20

  • "see" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means to physically or spiritually perceive. Here, it stresses that God’s work will be visible and obvious.
  • "consider" (שִׂים, sim): Often translated as "set" or "place," in this context it means to thoughtfully reflect or pay attention, inviting people not just to notice but to ponder what has happened.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, "hand" often stands for power or action. The verse is saying that what happens is clearly the result of God’s direct involvement, not chance or human effort.
  • "created" (בָּרָא, bara): This word is used in the Bible only for God’s creative acts, underlining that what is being described is something only God could do.

Why Isaiah 41:20 matters

  • Isaiah 41:20 clarifies that the coming changes and miracles are not random or from another source, but are the work of the LORD, making God’s identity and power unmistakable.
  • The verse emphasizes a shared understanding ("together"), showing that God’s actions are meant to unite people in recognition of Him, not just convince individuals.
  • Isaiah 41:20 connects to the larger theme of Isaiah 41, where God reassures Israel of His unique power and care, contrasting Himself with idols and human efforts.

Where else these words appear

“created” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
  • Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

“understand” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

“One” Hebrew H6918 · used in 106 verses

  • Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
  • 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.
  • Isaiah 17:7 At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
  • Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.