Isaiah 45:17

KJV

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Israel {H3478} shall be saved {H3467} in the LORD {H3068} with an everlasting {H5769} salvation {H8668}: ye shall not be ashamed {H954} nor confounded {H3637} world {H5769} without end {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Isra'el, saved by ADONAI with an everlasting salvation, you will never, ever, be ashamed or disgraced.

Berean Standard Bible

But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will not be put to shame or humiliated, to ages everlasting.

American Standard Version

But Israel shall be saved by Jehovah with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be put to shame nor confounded world without end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:17 delivers a profound and enduring promise of divine security and vindication for Israel, contrasting their assured, everlasting salvation in the LORD with the futility of idol worship and the transient nature of human endeavors. It declares that God's chosen people will never experience the shame or confusion of dashed hopes, affirming the unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty to His covenant promises, establishing a future of perpetual honor and deliverance for those who trust in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:17 stands as a triumphant declaration within a section (chapters 40-48) often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Second Isaiah," where the prophet addresses a future Israel in Babylonian exile. This chapter, in particular, highlights Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all nations and history, even naming Cyrus, a pagan king, as His chosen instrument to facilitate Israel's return and rebuild Jerusalem ([Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - Cyrus, God's Anointed")). The verses immediately preceding Isaiah 45:17 emphasize God's unique identity as the Creator and the only true God, challenging the emptiness of idols and their inability to save ([Isaiah 45:15-16](/isaiah/45-15 "Isaiah 45:15-16 - God, the Hidden Savior")). Verse 17 thus serves as a climactic assurance, directly contrasting the shame of idolaters with the eternal security of those who worship the true God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile (586-538 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and theological crisis for Israel. Their temple was destroyed, their land desolated, and their people dispersed. This context raised questions about God's power and faithfulness. Culturally, the ancient Near East was polytheistic, with various nations worshipping their own pantheon of gods. Isaiah's prophecy directly confronts this by asserting Yahweh's singular power and authority over all creation and human affairs, including the rise and fall of empires. The promise of "not being ashamed nor confounded" directly addresses the deep disgrace and confusion experienced by a people who felt abandoned by their God and mocked by their captors.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the LORD alone is the source of salvation and controls the destiny of nations and individuals. This is underscored by His ability to declare future events and use foreign kings for His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd"). Secondly, **Everlasting Salvation** is a central promise, emphasizing that God's deliverance is not temporary or conditional on human merit, but eternal and secure, providing a stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human strength or idol worship ([Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "The Word of God Endures Forever")). Finally, the theme of **Vindication and Honor** for God's people is prominent. The promise that Israel "shall not be ashamed nor confounded" speaks to a future where their faith in God will be fully justified, and their suffering will give way to glory, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with them, even after their failures ([Isaiah 43:1-7](/isaiah/43-1 "God's Promise to Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Derived from the verb "to be," it signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature of God. In Isaiah 45:17, it emphasizes that the salvation promised to Israel originates from and is guaranteed by the one true, living God, distinguishing Him from all false deities.
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be open, wide, or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." This word encompasses deliverance, rescue, help, and the act of bringing salvation. Its use here indicates a comprehensive deliverance—not merely physical rescue from Babylon, but a spiritual and eternal security that God Himself provides.
* **everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term denotes time out of mind, past or future, implying eternity, perpetuity, or a very long duration. When paired with "salvation," it underscores the absolute permanence and unending nature of the deliverance God grants. It's not a temporary reprieve but a definitive, eternal state of blessedness and security that will never cease.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Israel shall be saved in the LORD":** This clause initiates a powerful contrast ("But") with the previous verses that describe the futility of idols and the shame of their worshippers. It declares that Israel, the covenant people of God, will experience salvation. Crucially, this salvation is "in the LORD," signifying that its source, security, and efficacy are entirely dependent on Yahweh's power, faithfulness, and sovereign will, not on human strength or merit.
* **"with an everlasting salvation":** This phrase intensifies the nature of the salvation. It is not a fleeting deliverance or a temporary respite from trouble, but a permanent, unending state of security and well-being. The Hebrew word `ʻôwlâm` (everlasting) emphasizes its eternal quality, pointing beyond mere physical return from exile to a spiritual and ultimate redemption that transcends time.
* **"ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded":** This is a direct promise of vindication and honor. "Ashamed" (Hebrew: _bûwsh_) implies humiliation, disappointment, or disgrace, often associated with reliance on false hopes or idols. "Confounded" (Hebrew: _kâlam_) suggests being put to confusion, taunted, or insulted. The double negative powerfully asserts that Israel's hope in the LORD will never be dashed; they will never face the humiliation of their enemies or the disappointment of their trust being misplaced.
* **"world without end":** This concluding phrase reiterates and amplifies the "everlasting" nature of the salvation and the freedom from shame. It uses two Hebrew terms, `ʻôwlâm` (world/everlasting) and `ʻad` (without end/perpetuity), creating a strong emphatic statement of eternal duration. It assures Israel that their secure state in the LORD is not subject to the passage of time or the vicissitudes of history; it is truly perpetual.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is immediately evident with the opening "But," setting this promise of salvation apart from the preceding descriptions of idolaters who "are ashamed and confounded" ([Isaiah 45:16](/isaiah/45-16 "Isaiah 45:16 - Idol Worship Leads to Shame")). This highlights the exclusive nature of Yahweh's saving power. **Repetition** and **Emphasis** are used through the pairing of "everlasting salvation" and "world without end," both phrases underscoring the eternal and unending quality of God's deliverance and the security it provides. This creates a sense of absolute certainty. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is present in the negative formulation "not be ashamed nor confounded," where two closely related terms for disgrace are used together to amplify the promise of complete vindication. The use of **Hyperbole** or strong affirmation in "world without end" conveys an ultimate, unqualified assurance of perpetual security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His unique capacity to provide ultimate, eternal salvation. It echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering commitment to His people, even in the face of their unfaithfulness. The "everlasting salvation" points beyond a mere physical return from exile to a deeper, spiritual redemption that God alone can accomplish, one that secures an eternal relationship with Him, free from the shame and confusion that come from trusting in anything less than the Almighty. This promise is rooted in God's unchanging character and His sovereign plan for humanity.

* [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant")
* [Psalm 25:3](/psalm/25-3 "Hope in the Lord")
* [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "No Shame for Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:17 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers across all generations. In a world characterized by uncertainty, fleeting successes, and often crushing disappointments, this verse reminds us that our ultimate hope and security rest not in human endeavors, political systems, or material possessions, but in the unchanging, all-powerful LORD. When we place our trust in Him, we are promised an "everlasting salvation" that transcends temporal circumstances, guaranteeing that we will never ultimately be put to shame or confounded. This truth empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that our faith is not in vain and that God's purposes for us will prevail, leading to eternal glory and vindication. It calls us to abandon all false securities and to anchor our souls in the one true God who saves eternally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek security or validation outside of the LORD?**
* **How does the promise of "everlasting salvation" impact your perspective on current struggles or temporary setbacks?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "not be ashamed nor confounded" in the context of your faith journey?**
* **How can the assurance of God's unchanging faithfulness strengthen your resolve to live boldly for Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "world without end" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "world without end" (Hebrew: _ʻôwlâm ʻad_) is a highly emphatic expression signifying absolute perpetuity and eternity. It reinforces the "everlasting" nature of the salvation and the freedom from shame promised to Israel. It means that this state of security, honor, and deliverance from God is not temporary or subject to any future reversal; it is permanent and will continue forever, transcending all temporal limitations. It speaks to the eternal quality of God's redemptive work.

**How does this promise to Israel apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While primarily addressed to ancient Israel, the theological principles of Isaiah 45:17 have profound application for Christians. The New Testament reveals that salvation in Christ fulfills and expands upon Old Testament promises. Believers, through faith in Jesus, are grafted into the spiritual heritage of Israel ([Romans 11:17](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17 - Gentiles Grafted In")). The "everlasting salvation" promised here finds its ultimate realization in the eternal life and redemption offered through Christ ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Source of Eternal Salvation")). Furthermore, the assurance that "ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded" resonates deeply with the New Testament promise that "whoever believes in him will not be put to shame" ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No Shame for Believers")). Thus, the verse provides a timeless truth about God's eternal faithfulness and the secure hope available to all who trust in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:17, with its resounding declaration of "everlasting salvation" and freedom from shame "world without end," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially a promise to literal Israel regarding their restoration and vindication by Yahweh, the New Testament reveals that true and eternal salvation is embodied in the person and work of the Messiah. Jesus is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom God accomplishes a salvation that is truly everlasting, not merely a temporal deliverance from earthly enemies or exile. His death and resurrection provide a [redemption that is eternal](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption"), securing for all who believe an unbreakable covenant with God, far surpassing the old. The promise that Israel "shall not be ashamed nor confounded" is perfectly realized in Christ, for those who put their faith in Him will [never be put to shame](/romans/5-5 "Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame") but will inherit an [everlasting kingdom](/2_peter/1-11 "2 Peter 1:11 - Entry into the Eternal Kingdom"). He is the [author of eternal salvation](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Source of Eternal Salvation") for all who obey Him, ensuring that the hope placed in Him will never disappoint, but will lead to eternal glory and vindication before God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Psalms 25:3

Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.

Isaiah 54:4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Joel 2:26

And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Joel 2:27

And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.