Isaiah 41:2
What does Isaiah 41:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 41:2 means
God asks who has raised up a victorious figure from the east, one whom He calls in righteousness, granting him dominion over nations and kings. This individual is depicted as a swift and overwhelming conqueror, scattering his enemies like dust and driven stubble. While some commentators see a reference to Cyrus the Great, who came from the east to conquer Babylon, the language also foreshadows a greater chosen one, pointing toward the ultimate servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ, who justly subdues all opposing powers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who hath raised up one from the east, whom he calleth in righteousness to his foot? he giveth nations before him, and maketh him rule over kings; he giveth them as the dust to his sword, as the driven stubble to his bow.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who hath raised up one from the east, whom he calleth in righteousness to his foot? he giveth nations before him, and maketh him rule over kings; he giveth them as the dust to his sword, as the driven stubble to his bow.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who sent out from the east one who is right wherever he goes? he gives the nations into his hands, and makes him ruler over kings; he gives them as the dust to his sword, as dry stems before the wind to his bow.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who stirred up from the east a righteous one? He calleth him to His foot, He giveth before him nations, And kings He causeth him to rule, He giveth <FI>them<Fi> as dust <FI>to<Fi> his sword, As driven stubble <FI>to<Fi> his bow.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who hath raised up the just one from the east, hath called him to follow him? he shall give the nations in his sight, and he shall rule over kings: he shall give them as the dust to his sword, as stubble driven by the wind, to his bow.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who raised up from the east him whom righteousness calleth to its foot? He gave the nations before him, and caused him to have dominion over kings; he gave them as dust to his sword, as driven stubble to his bow.
Context
Following the divine summons in verse 1, this verse introduces a powerful figure, raised by God, who will bring about His purposes. This serves as the first piece of evidence in God's case against the impotent idols, demonstrating His ability to control history and raise up individuals to accomplish His will. It directly contrasts with the later depiction of idols that cannot act or declare the future.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 14:14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.
- 2 Samuel 22:43
Then did I beat them small as the dust of the earth, I did crush them as the mire of the streets, and did spread them abroad.
- 2 Kings 13:7
For he left not to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing.
- Ezra 1:2
Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath Jehovah, the God of heaven, given me; and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
- Isaiah 46:11
calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.
- Isaiah 41:25
I have raised up one from the north, and he is come; from the rising of the sun one that calleth upon my name: and he shall come upon rulers as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.
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