I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
I have sworn {H7650} by myself, the word {H1697} is gone out {H3318} of my mouth {H6310} in righteousness {H6666}, and shall not return {H7725}, That unto me every knee {H1290} shall bow {H3766}, every tongue {H3956} shall swear {H7650}.
In the name of myself I have sworn, from my mouth has rightly gone out, a word that will not return - that to me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear
By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance.
By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
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Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; -
Romans 14:10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. -
Romans 14:12
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. -
Isaiah 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. -
Hebrews 6:13
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, -
Hebrews 6:18
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: -
Deuteronomy 6:13
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Isaiah 45:23 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the universal acknowledgment of His supreme authority. In this verse, God speaks directly, emphasizing the unchangeable nature of His word and His ultimate triumph over all. It serves as a powerful cornerstone for understanding divine power and future events.
Context
This verse is situated within the latter part of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-66), which focuses on Israel's deliverance from Babylonian exile and the glorious future of God's people. Chapter 45 specifically highlights God's unique identity as the only true God, contrasting Himself with the impotent idols of the nations. He declares His power to raise up Cyrus the Great, a pagan king, to fulfill His purposes for Israel. In this broader context, verse 23 stands as a climactic affirmation of God's universal dominion, extending beyond Israel to all humanity and creation. It underscores that His plans are righteous and irreversible.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "I have sworn by myself" comes from the Hebrew nishba'ti bi (נשבעתי בי), which powerfully conveys God's self-authentication and the ultimate certainty of His oath. Since there is no one greater than God, He swears by His own being to guarantee the truth of His declaration. The phrase "shall not return" (Hebrew: lo' yashuv, לא ישוב) emphasizes the irreversibility and finality of the divine decree, much like an arrow shot from a bow that cannot be recalled.
The expression "every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" is a common biblical idiom representing total submission and allegiance. The "swearing" (Hebrew: shava', שבע) implies taking an oath of loyalty or making a confession of allegiance, acknowledging God's supreme authority.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
Isaiah 45:23 offers several profound implications for contemporary believers and the world: