Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

ISAIAH 41:22KJV
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Isaiah 41:22 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:22 mean?

Isaiah 41:22 challenges others to present evidence or predictions about the future and to explain past events, so that their reliability can be judged. The verse is a call for proof, asking supposed gods or powers to demonstrate their knowledge and authority by revealing what has happened and what will happen.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, addressing the idols and false gods worshipped by surrounding nations. The context is a courtroom-like setting where God invites these idols to prove themselves by explaining past events and predicting the future, something only the true God can do. This highlights the difference between the living God and powerless idols.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:22

  • "Shew" (נָגַד, nagad) means to make known or declare. Here, it emphasizes the demand for clear evidence or revelation, not just vague claims.
  • "Consider" (שִׂים, sim; לֵב, lev) involves setting the mind or heart to something, suggesting careful thought and discernment, not just casual observation.
  • "End" (אַחֲרִית, acharit) refers to the outcome or final result, stressing the challenge to predict how things will turn out, not just to recount what has already happened.
  • "Declare" (שָׁמַע, shama) means to proclaim or announce, underlining the expectation that these supposed gods should be able to communicate future events if they have real power.

Why Isaiah 41:22 matters

  • Isaiah 41:22 clears up any idea that idols or false gods have real power to predict or explain history, showing that only the God of Israel can do this.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of evidence and truth, not just tradition or superstition, in matters of faith.
  • This challenge ties into the larger section where God demonstrates His uniqueness and authority, setting the stage for the message of hope and trust in the true God that follows.

Where else these words appear

“happen” Hebrew H7136 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Numbers 23:15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
  • Nehemiah 3:3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

“end” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“forth” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.