Devine Scripture

Isaiah 41:25

What does Isaiah 41:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Isaiah 41:25 means

In direct contrast to the powerless idols, God declares that He has raised up a conqueror from the north, one who comes from the rising of the sun and calls upon His name. This figure will tread down rulers and leaders "as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay," signifying his irresistible force and complete subjugation of opposing powers. This figure is generally understood to be Cyrus the Great, whose rise and conquests were orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have sent for one from the north, and from the dawn he has come; in my name he will get rulers together and go against them; they will be like dust, even as the wet earth is stamped on by the feet of the potter.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have stirred up <FI>one<Fi> from the north, And he cometh, From the rising of the sun he calleth in My name, And he cometh in <FI>on<Fi> prefects as <FI>on<Fi> clay, And as a potter treadeth down mire.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come from the rising of the sun: he shall call upon my name, and he shall make princes to be as dirt, and as the potter treading clay.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come, — from the rising of the sun, he who will call upon my name; and he shall come upon princes as on mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.

Context

After declaring the idols to be nothing, this verse sharply turns to showcase God's active power by announcing the rise of a divinely appointed conqueror. This serves as a powerful demonstration of God's ability to orchestrate history, contrasting sharply with the impotence of the idols unable to predict or act. This declaration reinforces the theme of God's sovereign control introduced at the chapter's beginning and sets up another challenge to the idols.

v.24Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work is of nought; an abomination is he that chooseth you.

v.25This passage

v.26Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is right? yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that showeth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 46:10

    declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;

  • Jeremiah 51:27

    Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a marshal against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough canker-worm.

  • Jeremiah 50:3

    For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they are fled, they are gone, both man and beast.

  • Isaiah 10:6

    I will send him against a profane nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

  • Isaiah 45:13

    I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith Jehovah of hosts.

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