45:22 45:22

Isaiah 45:23

45:24 45:24

Bible Versions

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.

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

  • Divine Oath and Unchangeable Word: God declares, "I have sworn by myself," indicating the highest possible oath, as there is no greater being by whom He could swear. This emphasizes the absolute certainty and binding nature of His promise. His word, "gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return," signifies its eternal validity and irreversible power. What God declares will undoubtedly come to pass.
  • Universal Submission and Allegiance: The core message is that "unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." This paints a vivid picture of a future, complete, and voluntary (or compelled) submission of all creation to God's authority. It is an acknowledgment of His rightful place as the sole Creator and Ruler.
  • God's Righteousness and Justice: The phrase "in righteousness" assures that God's declarations and actions are always just, true, and morally perfect. His sovereignty is not arbitrary but rooted in His holy character.
  • Exclusivity of God: This declaration reinforces the theme of monotheism prevalent throughout Isaiah. There is no other god who can make such claims or fulfill such prophecies.

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

  • This verse is famously quoted and applied in the New Testament to the Person of Jesus Christ, demonstrating His divine nature and shared sovereignty with the Father. Paul explicitly references it in Romans 14:11 concerning universal judgment and in Philippians 2:10-11, where he states that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." This New Testament application reveals the profound connection between God's ultimate sovereignty and the exaltation of Christ.
  • The concept of God swearing by Himself is echoed in Hebrews 6:13, where it is stated that "when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself."
  • The unchanging nature of God's word is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Numbers 23:19, which declares, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent."

Practical Application

Isaiah 45:23 offers several profound implications for contemporary believers and the world:

  • Assurance and Trust: Knowing that God's word is immutable and His promises are backed by His own oath provides immense assurance. Believers can confidently trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His plans for salvation and the future will certainly unfold.
  • Humility and Worship: The verse calls all humanity to recognize God's ultimate authority. This should lead to humility and genuine worship, acknowledging that every person will eventually bow before Him, whether willingly in faith now or by compulsion later.
  • Hope for God's Kingdom: For those who await the full establishment of God's kingdom, this verse offers immense hope. It foretells a future where all rebellion will cease, and every creature will acknowledge the Lordship of God, bringing ultimate peace and order.
  • Motivation for Evangelism: If every knee will bow and every tongue confess, it underscores the importance of proclaiming God's truth now, inviting people to willingly submit to Christ before the day of universal reckoning.
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.

  • 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.
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