Devine Scripture

Isaiah 41:12

What does Isaiah 41:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 41:12 means

God further emphasizes the complete disappearance of Israel's enemies, promising that they will be sought but not found. Those who contend and make war against Israel will become utterly insignificant, as if they never existed. This powerful imagery conveys not only defeat but also permanent oblivion for their adversaries. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to protect His people, ensuring their ultimate peace and security.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contend with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contend with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You will make search for your haters but they will not be there; those who make war against you will be as nothing and will come to destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Thou seekest them, and findest them not, The men who debate with thee, They are as nothing, yea, as nothing, The men who war with thee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find the men that resist thee: they shall be as nothing: and as a thing consumed the men that war against thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them — them that contend with thee; they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

Context

Building on the promise of their enemies' shame and confusion in verse 11, this verse intensifies the assurance of divine protection by declaring the complete and utter vanishing of Israel's foes. This escalation reinforces God's power to nullify all opposition. The assurance that their enemies will disappear sets the stage for a renewed, intimate pledge of God's direct personal help in the following verse, emphasizing His continuous protection.

v.11Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be put to shame and confounded: they that strive with thee shall be as nothing, and shall perish.

v.12This passage

v.13For I, Jehovah thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 37:35

    I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.

  • Isaiah 17:14

    At eventide, behold, terror; and before the morning they are not. This is the portion of them that despoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.

  • Job 20:7

    Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: They that have seen him shall say, Where is he?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 41

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 41.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Isaiah 41:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary