Isaiah 45:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:23 stands as a powerful divine oath, declaring God's absolute sovereignty and the certain, universal acknowledgment of His supreme authority. In this profound declaration, the Lord affirms the unchangeable nature of His spoken word, which proceeds from Him in perfect righteousness, guaranteeing that a future day will come when every being will bow in submission and confess allegiance to Him. It is a foundational statement affirming God's unique identity as the only true God and the ultimate ruler over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:23 is strategically placed within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as "Second Isaiah." This section primarily addresses the exiles in Babylon, offering comfort, hope, and prophecies of restoration. Chapter 45 specifically emphasizes God's unrivaled power and unique identity as the sole Creator and Sovereign, contrasting Him sharply with the impotent idols worshipped by other nations. The preceding verses (Isaiah 45:20-22) issue a direct challenge to idolaters and a universal invitation to salvation, culminating in verse 23's climactic declaration of God's universal dominion and the future submission of all. This declaration serves as the ultimate guarantee of the promises made earlier in the chapter and the book concerning Israel's deliverance and God's global redemptive plan, as seen in the call to "look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth" found in [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Universal Call to Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and theological questioning for the Jewish people. They were surrounded by a polytheistic culture, where powerful empires attributed their victories to their national gods. Isaiah's message directly confronts this worldview by asserting Yahweh's absolute supremacy, even over powerful pagan rulers like Cyrus the Great, whom God designates as His instrument to release Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God's Anointing of Cyrus")). The concept of a divine oath was well-understood in the ancient Near East, signifying an unbreakable promise. For God to swear "by myself" was the highest possible form of guarantee, as there was no higher authority to invoke. This declaration would have provided immense reassurance to a people questioning God's power and faithfulness amidst their captivity, reminding them that God's word, unlike human promises, is absolutely reliable and will achieve its intended purpose without fail, as also promised in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty").
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout Isaiah. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Uniqueness**, emphasizing that Yahweh is the only true God, capable of declaring the future and bringing it to pass. This directly counters the idolatry of the surrounding nations and reinforces Israel's call to monotheism. Secondly, the theme of **God's Unchangeable Word and Oath** is central; the divine oath guarantees the absolute certainty and irreversible nature of God's decrees. What God has spoken "shall not return" to Him void. Thirdly, the verse proclaims **Universal Submission and Acknowledgment**, foretelling a future where all creation, without exception, will bow before God and confess His Lordship. This theme anticipates a global recognition of God's authority, extending beyond Israel to all humanity. Finally, it highlights **Divine Righteousness**, ensuring that all of God's actions and declarations are rooted in His perfect justice and moral integrity, providing a foundation for trust in His character and purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, this primitive root means "to seven oneself," implying to swear or take an oath, as if by repeating a declaration seven times for emphasis and certainty. When God swears by Himself, it signifies the ultimate, unbreakable guarantee, as there is no higher authority by whom He could swear. It underscores the absolute certainty and binding nature of His promise, rooted in His own immutable being.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to a word, matter, or thing. In this context, it signifies God's divine decree or pronouncement. The "word" that has gone out of God's mouth is not merely a suggestion or a transient thought, but a powerful, active, and effective declaration that carries the full weight of His authority and will inevitably come to pass. It is a living, dynamic force that shapes reality.
* **bow (Hebrew, _kâraʻ'_):** From H3766, this primitive root means "to bend the knee," implying to sink or prostrate oneself. It denotes an act of profound submission, homage, and reverence. In the context of "every knee shall bow," it signifies universal and complete acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, whether it be a willing act of worship or a compelled act of submission by those who previously resisted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have sworn by myself":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine oath, the most solemn and binding form of affirmation. Since there is no greater being than God, He swears by His own immutable character and existence, providing the ultimate guarantee for the truth and certainty of His subsequent declaration. This act highlights His absolute self-sufficiency and the unassailable nature of His word.
* **"the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return":** This clause describes the nature and power of God's decree. The "word" refers to the divine pronouncement that follows. It "goes out" with divine authority, originating directly from God's being. The phrase "in righteousness" indicates that this word is perfectly just, true, and morally upright, reflecting God's holy character. The declaration "shall not return" signifies its irreversibility and efficacy; once spoken, it cannot be recalled or rendered void, but will inevitably accomplish its intended purpose.
* **"That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.":** This final clause reveals the content of God's sworn word: a universal future reality where all beings will demonstrate submission and allegiance to Him. "Every knee shall bow" represents an act of physical prostration, symbolizing complete subservience and homage. "Every tongue shall swear" implies a verbal confession or oath of loyalty, acknowledging God's supreme Lordship and rightful authority. Together, these phrases depict a comprehensive and undeniable recognition of God's sovereignty across all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "I have sworn by myself" is a **Divine Oath Formula**, a powerful rhetorical device that establishes the absolute certainty and unchangeable nature of the divine declaration, as God's own being is the ultimate guarantee. The reference to "my mouth" is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human bodily part to God to make His direct communication and the origin of His word more relatable and impactful, emphasizing its direct divine source. The core declaration, "every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear," is a classic **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. "Knee" and "tongue" encompass the entirety of human (and implicitly, all created) existence – physical posture and verbal confession – thereby signifying universal and complete submission. This phrase also functions as a powerful **Idiom** for total allegiance and homage, widely understood in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Furthermore, the statement "shall not return" uses **Negative Assertion** to emphasize the irreversible and effective nature of God's word, akin to an arrow shot that cannot be recalled, underscoring its finality and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:23 is a cornerstone passage for understanding God's ultimate sovereignty and the eschatological triumph of His reign. It asserts that God's declarations are not mere suggestions but divine decrees, backed by His very being and guaranteed to come to pass. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that God's plans for salvation, judgment, and the full establishment of His kingdom are absolutely certain. The universal scope of "every knee" and "every tongue" points to a future reality where all creation will acknowledge God's rightful place as Lord, bringing an end to rebellion and ushering in a perfect order. This prophecy speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's dominion, extending over all nations, peoples, and even the spiritual realm.

* [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Will Bow to God")
* [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Homage")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:23 calls us to a profound reorientation of our lives around the absolute sovereignty of God. Understanding that God's word is immutable and His purposes are unshakeable should cultivate a deep sense of trust and security in our hearts, especially amidst life's uncertainties or global turmoil. It reminds us that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, there is a divine plan unfolding, and its ultimate conclusion is the universal acknowledgment of God's Lordship. This truth should inspire humility, leading us to willingly bow our knees and confess His name now, rather than waiting for the compelled submission of a future day. It also fuels our passion for evangelism, knowing that the day is coming when all will confess, and we are called to invite others to embrace this truth willingly through faith in Christ. Ultimately, this verse offers immense hope for a future where all rebellion ceases, and God's perfect will is universally honored, bringing true peace and righteousness to all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchangeable nature of God's word impact my trust in His promises for my life and the world?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to "bow my knee" and "swear with my tongue" to God today?**
* **How does the ultimate universal submission to God's authority shape my perspective on current global events or personal struggles?**
* **If every knee will eventually bow, what is my responsibility in sharing this truth with others now?**

### FAQ

**Why does God swear "by myself" in this verse?**

Answer: God swears "by myself" because there is no greater being or authority than Himself by whom He could swear. This phrase signifies the highest possible form of divine oath, making the declaration absolutely certain, unbreakable, and irreversible. It underscores God's unique, self-existent, and supreme nature, guaranteeing that His word will unfailingly come to pass. The author of Hebrews reiterates this principle in [Hebrews 6:13](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13 - God's Oath to Abraham"), stating that "when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself."

**What does "every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom signifying complete and universal submission and allegiance. "Every knee shall bow" represents a physical act of prostration, symbolizing profound humility, reverence, and acknowledgment of ultimate authority. "Every tongue shall swear" implies a verbal confession or oath of loyalty, affirming God's supreme Lordship. Together, these actions denote that all beings—human, angelic, and even demonic—will ultimately acknowledge God's sovereignty, whether willingly through faith and worship or by compelled recognition of His undeniable power and justice. This universal homage is a central theme in Scripture, pointing to God's ultimate triumph over all opposition, as also seen in [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:23 finds its most profound and explicit fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the seamless unity of God's redemptive plan across the Old and New Testaments. While Isaiah's prophecy speaks of Yahweh's universal sovereignty, the New Testament applies this very declaration directly to Jesus, revealing His co-equality with the Father and His ultimate Lordship. The Apostle Paul, in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship"), states that because of Christ's humble obedience unto death, "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Similarly, in [Romans 14:11](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Knee Will Bow to God"), Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 directly to underscore that "as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God," applying this universal judgment and submission to Christ's future role. Thus, the universal homage prophesied in Isaiah is ultimately rendered to Jesus, revealing Him as the divine embodiment of Yahweh's sovereign authority and the ultimate object of all worship and allegiance. His exaltation ensures that the divine word, spoken in righteousness, will indeed not return void, but will culminate in the glorious recognition of His Lordship over all creation.

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

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.