I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

ISAIAH 45:13KJV
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Isaiah 45:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 45:13 mean?

Isaiah 45:13 says that God has chosen and empowered a leader to act justly, guiding his actions so that he will rebuild Jerusalem and set the Jewish exiles free, without demanding payment or reward. This is declared by the LORD of hosts, highlighting God’s authority and initiative in the matter.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the people of Israel, referring to a future deliverer—historically understood as Cyrus, king of Persia. The verse emphasizes that the restoration of Jerusalem and the release of captives will happen by God’s direction, not because of political deals or financial gain, but as an act of God’s righteousness and purpose.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 45:13

  • "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word means justice or what is right. God’s choice of the leader is rooted in what is just, not in favoritism or chance.
  • "Direct" (יָשַׁר, yashar): This verb means to make straight or guide. It shows that God is actively guiding the leader’s actions, not leaving events to unfold randomly.
  • "Go" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means to send away or release. The captives are not just escaping; they are being purposefully set free by the leader’s command.
  • "Not for price" (מְחִיר, mekhir) and "reward" (שַׁחַד, shakhad): These words stress that the deliverance is not bought or bribed. The leader will not demand payment or gifts for freeing the people, highlighting the selfless nature of this act.

Why Isaiah 45:13 matters

  • Isaiah 45:13 clarifies that the restoration of Jerusalem and the release of the exiles are acts of God’s justice and mercy, not human negotiation or payment.
  • The verse highlights God’s control over history, showing that even foreign rulers can be used to fulfill God’s purposes.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Isaiah 45, where God declares His unique power and sovereignty, reassuring the people that their future is secure in His hands.

Where else these words appear

“captives” Hebrew H1546 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Kings 25:27 And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;
  • Jeremiah 29:22 And of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captivity of Judah which are in Babylon, saying, The LORD make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;
  • Ezekiel 33:21 And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, in the fifth day of the month, that one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten.

“price” Hebrew H4242 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

“reward” Hebrew H7810 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • 2 Kings 16:8 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

“direct” Hebrew H3474 · used in 26 verses

  • Numbers 23:27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
  • 1 Kings 9:12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not.
  • Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.