Isaiah 41:27
What does Isaiah 41:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 41:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 41:27 means
God emphatically declares that He is the *first* to proclaim good tidings to Zion, promising that He will send a messenger of good news to Jerusalem. This emphasizes God's proactive, sovereign role in revealing His plans and comforts to His chosen city. Unlike the silent idols, God speaks, and His words are of hope and restoration. This verse highlights His unique ability to declare future events and His tender care for His people, particularly regarding their salvation and comfort.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am the first that saith unto Zion, Behold, behold them; and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am the first that saith unto Zion, Behold, behold them; and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I was the first to give word of it to Zion, and I gave the good news to Jerusalem.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862First to Zion, Behold, behold them, And to Jerusalem one proclaiming tidings I give,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The first shall say to Sion: Behold they are here, and to Jerusalem I will give an evangelist.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The first, [I said] to Zion, Behold, behold them! and to Jerusalem, I will give one that bringeth glad tidings.
Context
Building on the definitive silence of the idols regarding future events, this verse presents God's triumphant declaration of His unique ability to foresee and proclaim. It immediately follows the challenge where idols proved they could not declare anything. This statement concerning Zion and Jerusalem directly counters the idols' impotence, setting up the final verses that further confirm the absence of any true divine counsel among the nations' gods.
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.
v.27This passage
v.28And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last, I am he.
- Isaiah 44:28
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure, even saying of Jerusalem, She shall be built; and of the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
- Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
- Romans 10:15
and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
- Isaiah 48:12
Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called: I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
- Isaiah 40:9
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up on a high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold, your God!
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