Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.

ISAIAH 41:23KJV
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Isaiah 41:23 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 41:23 mean?

Isaiah 41:23 challenges supposed gods to prove their power by predicting the future or doing something—good or bad—so that people can see and be amazed, showing whether these gods are real. The verse is a test, asking idols to demonstrate real ability if they are truly divine.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of God to the people of Israel, addressing the idols and false gods worshipped by surrounding nations. The situation is a courtroom-like setting where God is showing the emptiness of idols by daring them to do anything that would prove their existence or power. The verse highlights the difference between the living God, who knows and controls the future, and powerless idols.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 41:23

  • "Shew" (נָגַד, nagad) means to declare or announce. Here, Isaiah is demanding that idols reveal something meaningful, emphasizing that real gods should be able to communicate knowledge.
  • "Gods" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim) is the common word for gods or divine beings. Isaiah uses it to challenge the idols' claim to divinity, exposing their inability to act or speak.
  • "Good" (יָטַב, yatav) and "evil" (רָעַע, ra‘a) refer to doing something beneficial or harmful. Isaiah is not asking for a specific act, just any demonstration of power, underscoring that the idols cannot affect the world at all.
  • "Dismayed" (שָׁעַה, sha‘ah) carries the sense of being shocked or amazed. Isaiah is saying that if the idols could do anything, people would be astonished, but their silence proves their impotence.

Why Isaiah 41:23 matters

  • Isaiah 41:23 clears up the common misunderstanding that idols or false gods have real power; the verse shows they cannot act or predict the future.
  • The verse emphasizes that only the God of Israel can reveal or control what is to come, setting Him apart from all other so-called gods.
  • This challenge is part of a larger argument in Isaiah 41, where God is showing His unique authority and inviting the people to see the difference between Himself and lifeless idols.

Where else these words appear

“dismayed” Hebrew H8159 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Job 7:19 How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?
  • Isaiah 17:8 And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images.

“come” Hebrew H857 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Psalms 68:31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
  • Isaiah 44:7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

“hereafter” Hebrew H268 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
  • Psalms 44:10 Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
  • Isaiah 42:17 They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

“evil” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 2 Kings 21:11 Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:
  • Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.