Isaiah 45:4

KJV

For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Jacob {H3290} my servant's {H5650} sake, and Israel {H3478} mine elect {H972}, I have even called {H7121} thee by thy name {H8034}: I have surnamed {H3655} thee, though thou hast not known {H3045} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is for the sake of Ya'akov my servant, yes, for Isra'el my elect, that I call you by your name and give you a title, although you don't know me.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My chosen one, I call you by name; I have given you a title of honor, though you have not known Me.

American Standard Version

For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:4 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel. In this declaration, God reveals that His orchestrating of global events, specifically His raising up and empowering of Cyrus, the pagan king of Persia, is fundamentally "for Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect." God asserts His pre-emptive authority over Cyrus, stating He "called thee by thy name" and "surnamed thee," even though Cyrus had no prior knowledge of Him. This verse underscores the profound truth that God uses all individuals and circumstances, known or unknown to Him, as instruments to fulfill His divine purposes for His chosen nation and ultimately, for His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:4 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section primarily concerned with Israel's future restoration from Babylonian exile. Chapters 40-48 specifically emphasize God's unique identity as the only true God, contrasting His omnipotence and foreknowledge with the impotence of pagan idols. This section introduces Cyrus as God's chosen instrument, a figure prophesied by name over a century before his birth. The immediate preceding verses (Isaiah 45:1-3) detail God's specific promises to Cyrus—to open doors, break down barriers, and grant him treasures—all for the sake of Israel. This verse, therefore, serves as the divine explanation for *why* God is doing these extraordinary things for a foreign king: it is entirely for the benefit of His covenant people, Jacob/Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the impending Babylonian captivity and the subsequent return of the Jewish exiles. By the time of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE), Babylon had not yet risen to its imperial zenith, nor had Persia emerged as a dominant power. Yet, God names Cyrus, who would conquer Babylon in 539 BCE, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple (as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, to "call by name" or "surname" someone was an act of profound authority, ownership, and destiny. It implied a personal relationship, a designation of purpose, or even a claim of creation. For God to do this for Cyrus, a king who did not know Him, highlights the radical nature of God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers, irrespective of their allegiance or awareness of Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over history, nations, and even the hearts of kings, using them as unwitting agents for His will. It powerfully illustrates God's **Covenant Faithfulness** to Israel, showing that His actions on the global stage are ultimately driven by His commitment to His chosen people, promising their restoration despite their past disobedience (compare with [Isaiah 44:21-23](/isaiah/44-21 "Isaiah 44:21-23 - God's Forgiveness and Redemption of Israel")). The theme of **God's Unique Identity** as the only true God is also reinforced, as His ability to name and use a future king before his time proves His foreknowledge and omnipotence, distinguishing Him from the powerless idols worshipped by other nations (as seen in [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God's Uniqueness and Foreknowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **elect (Hebrew, _bâchîyr'_):** From the root meaning "to choose" or "select," this term signifies one who is specially chosen or designated by God for a particular purpose or relationship. Here, "Israel mine elect" emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Israel as His covenant people, setting them apart from all other nations. This election is not based on their merit but on God's gracious initiative and unwavering purpose, underscoring His faithfulness to His promises.
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This primitive root carries a broad range of meanings, including to "call out to," "address by name," "invite," "proclaim," or "designate." In this context, God's "calling" Cyrus by name signifies a deliberate, authoritative, and pre-ordained designation. It implies God's intimate knowledge of Cyrus before his existence and His specific appointment of Cyrus for a divine task, much like a sovereign ruler summons a servant or names an heir. It is an act of divine prerogative, asserting control and purpose.
* **known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This root implies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. It can encompass recognition, understanding, care, and even intimate relationship. The phrase "though thou hast not known me" highlights Cyrus's pagan background and his lack of a personal, covenantal relationship with the God of Israel. This contrast emphasizes God's sovereignty: He can use individuals who do not acknowledge Him, demonstrating that His plans are not contingent on human recognition or cooperation, but on His own independent power and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect":** This opening clause immediately establishes the ultimate motivation for God's actions concerning Cyrus. It is not for Cyrus's benefit or glory, but entirely for the sake of God's chosen people. "Jacob" and "Israel" are used interchangeably, referring to the nation descended from the patriarch Jacob, whom God had chosen and entered into a covenant with. "My servant" and "mine elect" reiterate their special status and relationship with God, emphasizing His enduring commitment to them despite their exile.
* **"I have even called thee by thy name":** This powerful declaration asserts God's pre-emptive and personal authority over Cyrus. Long before Cyrus was born or known to the world, God had identified him by name. This signifies a specific, intentional, and authoritative divine appointment. It's not a casual reference but a deliberate act of designation, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and meticulous planning for the future, even involving those outside His covenant.
* **"I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me":** Building on the previous clause, "surnamed thee" further emphasizes God's sovereign prerogative and control over Cyrus's destiny. To surname someone implies bestowing an additional name, a title, or a specific identity, often related to their character or purpose. The crucial qualifier, "though thou hast not known me," highlights the astonishing nature of God's work. Cyrus was a pagan ruler, unaware of the God of Israel, yet God had already marked him for a specific, vital role in His redemptive plan. This underscores God's ability to work through anyone, regardless of their spiritual awareness or allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:4 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Address**, where God directly speaks about His actions concerning Cyrus, emphasizing His personal involvement and authority. This is coupled with **Irony**, as God declares His intimate knowledge and designation of Cyrus ("called thee by thy name," "surnamed thee") even though Cyrus "hast not known me." This stark contrast highlights God's transcendent sovereignty—His plans are not limited by human awareness or cooperation. There is also **Emphasis** through the parallelism and repetition of "called" and "surnamed," underscoring the deliberate and authoritative nature of God's pre-ordained appointment of Cyrus. Finally, the use of **Metonymy** is present in "Jacob my servant" and "Israel mine elect," where the names of the patriarch and the nation stand for the entire covenant people, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His historical promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:4 presents a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty, His meticulous orchestration of history, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It reveals that God's ultimate purpose is the redemption and restoration of Israel, and He will use any means necessary, even pagan rulers, to achieve this end. This truth offers immense comfort, reminding believers that God is actively involved in the world, working all things according to His will, even when circumstances seem chaotic or when ungodly leaders are in power. His plans are not thwarted by human ignorance or opposition; rather, He masterfully weaves all elements into His grand design.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Sovereign Choice")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:4 offers a powerful reminder of God's overarching sovereignty in a world that often feels out of control. It challenges us to look beyond immediate political landscapes, economic uncertainties, or personal challenges, and to place our ultimate trust in the God who names kings before they are born and orchestrates global events for His purposes. This verse encourages a deep sense of peace, knowing that our God is not passive but actively working, even through those who do not acknowledge Him, to bring about His perfect will. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God's faithfulness to His promises is unshakeable, providing a secure foundation for hope and perseverance. It also prompts us to consider how God might be using unexpected people or circumstances in our own lives, or in the broader world, to fulfill His good purposes, even if we don't fully understand them at the moment. Our role is to trust His wisdom and remain faithful to His call on our lives, knowing that He is always at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's sovereignty over Cyrus, a pagan king, challenge or comfort your understanding of global events and political leadership today?**
* **In what ways might God be using individuals or circumstances you don't understand or agree with to accomplish His broader purposes?**
* **How does the truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to "Jacob my servant" and "Israel mine elect" encourage you in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose to name Cyrus in prophecy so long before his birth?**

Answer: God named Cyrus over a century before his birth (Isaiah's prophecy predates Cyrus's reign by roughly 150 years) to unequivocally demonstrate His unique identity as the only true God, possessing absolute foreknowledge and control over history. Unlike the impotent idols of Babylon, who could not declare the future, the God of Israel proves His omnipotence by naming a specific individual who would fulfill His precise plans for Israel's return from exile (as detailed in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Purpose for Cyrus")). This act served to validate His prophetic word and underscore His sovereignty to both the exiled Israelites and the surrounding nations.

**What is the significance of God saying Cyrus "hast not known me"?**

Answer: The phrase "though thou hast not known me" is highly significant because it highlights God's ability to use anyone, regardless of their personal relationship with Him or their religious affiliation, to accomplish His divine purposes. Cyrus was a pagan ruler, worshipping other gods, yet God sovereignly designated him as His instrument. This demonstrates that God's plans are not contingent upon human recognition, cooperation, or even belief. He is not limited by human will or understanding; rather, He works through all things and all people to achieve His ultimate ends, showcasing His unparalleled power and independence (compare with [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose for Pharaoh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:4, while directly addressing God's sovereign use of Cyrus for the sake of "Jacob my servant" and "Israel mine elect," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Cyrus was an unwitting servant, chosen by God for a specific historical task of physical deliverance. Christ, however, is the ultimate "Servant" of God, chosen and known by the Father from eternity, who willingly accomplished a far greater, spiritual deliverance. He is the true "elect" of God, the chosen one through whom God's covenant promises to Israel, and indeed to all humanity, are perfectly fulfilled. Just as God "called" Cyrus by name for a purpose, so too was Jesus "called" and "named" before His birth, not merely for a temporal task but as the very Son of God, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - Lamb Slain from Foundation of the World")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ embodies the ultimate act of God working through His chosen one to bring salvation to those who "knew him not" ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - Jesus in the World")). He is the true deliverer, not merely from physical exile, but from the bondage of sin and death, establishing a new covenant and an eternal kingdom for all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longings of "Jacob" and "Israel" and extending God's redemptive purpose to every nation ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promises Made to Abraham and His Seed, Christ")).

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

Isaiah 41:8

But thou, Israel, [art] my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

Isaiah 41:9

[Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

Acts 17:23

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Isaiah 44:1

¶ Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: