Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

ISAIAH 45:24KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 45:24 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 45:24 mean?

Isaiah 45:24 says that people will recognize that true righteousness and strength are found only in the LORD, and that those who oppose Him will ultimately be put to shame. The verse highlights that people will come to God for what they cannot find elsewhere, and those who are angry with Him will not succeed.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking about the LORD’s unique power and authority, especially compared to idols or other gods. Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel, but the message also looks ahead to all nations realizing the LORD’s supremacy. The verse stresses that only through the LORD can anyone have what is truly right and strong, and that resisting Him leads to disappointment and shame.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 45:24

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that the source of righteousness and strength is not just any god, but specifically Israel’s God.
  • righteousness (צְדָקוֹת, tsedaqot): This word means what is right, just, or fair. Here, it points to the idea that only the LORD can provide what is truly just and morally right.
  • strength (עֹז, oz): This word refers to might or power. The verse is saying that real power comes from the LORD, not from human effort or other sources.
  • incensed (קָצַף, qatsaph): This word means to be angry or enraged. The verse uses it to describe those who are hostile toward God, making clear that such anger leads to shame, not victory.

Why Isaiah 45:24 matters

  • Isaiah 45:24 clears up the idea that righteousness and strength can come from any source other than the LORD, making a strong statement against trusting in idols or human power.
  • The verse emphasizes that opposition to God is ultimately futile, and that those who resist Him will end up ashamed, which is a key theme in Isaiah’s message to Israel and the nations.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the LORD’s plan to reveal Himself not just to Israel, but to all people, inviting everyone to seek Him for what they truly need.

Where else these words appear

“incensed” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
  • 2 Kings 23:26 Notwithstanding the LORD turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal.

“strength” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Psalms 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.