Isaiah 45:5

KJV

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

KJV (with Strong's)

I am the LORD {H3068}, and there is none else, there is no God {H430} beside {H2108} me: I girded {H247} thee, though thou hast not known {H3045} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

I am ADONAI; there is no other; besides me there is no God. I am arming you, although you don't know me,

Berean Standard Bible

I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me,

American Standard Version

I am Jehovah, and there is none else; besides me there is no God. I will gird thee, though thou hast not known me;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 45:5 presents a profound declaration of God's singular identity and absolute sovereignty, asserting that He is the LORD, unique and without peer. This verse underscores His omnipotence and omnipresence by revealing His active involvement in human history, even through individuals who do not acknowledge Him. It highlights God's capacity to equip and empower agents—like the Persian king Cyrus—for His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over all nations and events to fulfill His redemptive plan for His people and for the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 45:5 is nestled within a powerful prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or the "Book of Comfort." This section primarily addresses the exiled Israelites, offering hope and assurance of their future restoration. The immediate context of chapter 45 focuses on God's sovereign choice and empowerment of Cyrus, a pagan king, to conquer Babylon and facilitate Israel's return from exile. Verses 1-4 explicitly name Cyrus and describe how God will go before him, break down barriers, and grant him success, even though Cyrus does not know the LORD. Verse 5, therefore, serves as the theological underpinning for these astonishing claims, explaining *why* God can use a foreign king in such a way: because He alone is God, and there is no other. This declaration reinforces the monotheistic truth against the backdrop of polytheistic empires.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense despair for the Jewish people. They had been conquered and deported, their temple destroyed, and their national identity threatened. The dominant powers of the ancient Near East were polytheistic, with each nation worshipping its own pantheon of gods. Babylon, in particular, boasted of its powerful deities and grand temples. Into this context, Isaiah's prophecy asserts the absolute uniqueness and supremacy of YHWH over all other gods. The mention of Cyrus is particularly striking because he was a historical figure who would indeed conquer Babylon in 539 BC and issue a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem (as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). This prophecy, made well over a century before Cyrus's birth, demonstrated God's unparalleled foreknowledge and control over world history, a stark contrast to the limited powers attributed to the idols of the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Isaiah's message and biblical theology. First and foremost is the theme of **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Uniqueness**. The emphatic declaration "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me" is a foundational statement of monotheism, challenging the prevalent polytheism of the ancient world and reminding Israel of the exclusive nature of their covenant God. This echoes the foundational confession of faith found in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"). Second, the verse highlights **God's Use of Unlikely Instruments**. The phrase "I girded thee, though thou hast not known me" reveals God's capacity to employ anyone—even pagan rulers unaware of His existence—to accomplish His divine purposes. Cyrus, a powerful emperor, was merely an instrument in God's hands, demonstrating that God's plan transcends human understanding, allegiance, or even awareness. This theme is further developed in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Purpose for Cyrus"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Purpose in History**. It affirms that God is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator of human events, raising up and empowering leaders to fulfill His ultimate will. This provides immense comfort and assurance that even amidst chaos and uncertainty, God is working out His perfect design, as seen in His overarching plan for Israel's restoration and the eventual coming of the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be" or "to become," this is the sacred, covenant name of God (YHWH), emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness. It signifies the God who reveals Himself and acts in history, the one true God who keeps His promises. Its emphatic use here underscores His unique identity as the sovereign ruler.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used here with a singular meaning, refers to the supreme God. While it can denote "gods" in a general sense, when used with the article (as implied here by context) or in reference to YHWH, it specifically designates the one true God. Its pairing with "LORD" (YHWH) further reinforces the absolute singularity and power of the God of Israel, distinguishing Him from all other supposed deities.
* **beside (Hebrew, _zûwlâh'_):** This word, derived from a root suggesting "scattering" or "removal," functions adverbially to mean "except," "but," "only," or "save." In this context, it powerfully asserts the exclusivity of God's being: there is no other divine entity, no other god, apart from Him. It emphasizes His unparalleled and unrivaled status.
* **girded (Hebrew, _ʼâzar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to belt" or "to bind about," this verb metaphorically signifies empowering, strengthening, or equipping someone for a task, often for battle or a journey. God "girded" Cyrus by granting him strength, authority, and success in his military campaigns, enabling him to fulfill God's specific purpose despite Cyrus's unawareness of the divine source of his power.
* **known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing not just intellectual awareness but also intimate acquaintance, recognition, and even relational experience. In this context, it highlights Cyrus's lack of a personal, covenantal relationship with the LORD. Though God used him, Cyrus did not "know" Him in the sense of acknowledging Him as the one true God or entering into a relationship of worship and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am the LORD":** This opening clause is a direct, self-attesting declaration of God's identity, using His covenant name, YHWH. It establishes His authority and uniqueness as the speaker, setting the foundation for all subsequent claims. It is a statement of divine self-revelation.
* **"and there is none else":** This phrase immediately follows the divine name, emphasizing the absolute singularity of God. It functions as a powerful negation of polytheism, asserting that no other being possesses the attributes or authority of the LORD. There is no other God, no other source of ultimate power or truth.
* **"[there is] no God beside me":** This reiterates and reinforces the previous declaration, using a different Hebrew term for "God" (_ʼĕlôhîym_) and a preposition that distinctly means "apart from" or "except for." The repetition serves to underscore the profound theological truth that YHWH stands utterly alone in His divine nature, without any rival or equal.
* **"I girded thee":** This clause shifts focus from God's identity to His action, specifically towards "thee," which refers to Cyrus (as established in [Isaiah 45:1](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God's Anointed Cyrus")). "Girded" signifies God's active empowerment and equipping of Cyrus for his military conquests and his role in liberating Israel. God is the source of Cyrus's strength and success, orchestrating his rise and victories.
* **"though thou hast not known me":** This final clause provides a crucial qualification, highlighting the astonishing nature of God's sovereign work. Despite God's active empowerment of Cyrus, Cyrus did not "know" the LORD in a personal, covenantal, or worshipful sense. He was a pagan king, unaware that the God of Israel was the true source of his power and the ultimate director of his destiny. This demonstrates God's ability to use even those outside the covenant community to achieve His divine purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 45:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Monotheistic Declaration**, where God emphatically asserts His singular identity and unrivaled supremacy, directly challenging the polytheistic worldview of the ancient Near East. This is reinforced through **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in the phrases "none else" and "no God beside me," which serve to drive home the absolute uniqueness of YHWH. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" (four times in the KJV translation) creates a strong sense of **Divine Authority** and direct address, emphasizing that this is a personal declaration from the Almighty. Furthermore, the phrase "I girded thee" utilizes **Metaphor**, drawing on the common ancient practice of girding oneself for action or battle. Here, God is depicted as the one who equips and empowers, metaphorically clothing Cyrus with strength and authority. Finally, the verse presents a powerful **Paradox** or **Irony**: God empowers an individual who does not know Him. This highlights God's sovereignty, which transcends human knowledge, recognition, or even allegiance, demonstrating His ability to work through any means to accomplish His will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 45:5 is a cornerstone declaration of biblical monotheism and divine sovereignty. It asserts that YHWH is the sole, self-existent God, without equal or rival, and that His purposes will prevail over all human designs and earthly powers. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that even in chaotic times, God remains firmly in control, orchestrating events—even through unlikely or unwitting agents—to fulfill His ultimate plan for redemption and glory. It challenges any notion of competing deities or forces, establishing God as the ultimate reality and the only legitimate object of worship. This foundational truth undergirds all of God's redemptive work, from the covenant with Israel to the coming of Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; there is no other")
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases")
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Sovereign Choice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 45:5 offers profound comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's absolute sovereignty. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and the rise and fall of human powers, this verse anchors our hope in the unchanging, unrivaled God. It reminds us that no human leader, no political movement, and no global event is outside of His sovereign oversight. He can and does use all things—even those who do not acknowledge Him—to advance His eternal purposes. This should cultivate in us a deep sense of peace, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in human strength or wisdom, but in the omnipotent hand of the LORD. It also challenges us to recognize God's hand at work in unexpected places and through unexpected people, broadening our perspective beyond conventional spiritual channels. For those who do know Him, this truth should inspire deeper worship, humility, and a greater commitment to align our lives with His revealed will, trusting that He is always working, even when we cannot see the full scope of His plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "I am the LORD, and there is none else" challenge your understanding of power and control in the world today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's sovereign hand, even when His methods seem unconventional?**
* **How does the truth that God uses those who do not know Him impact your perspective on evangelism and the spread of the Gospel?**
* **What specific actions can you take to live more consciously aware of God's active involvement in history and in your personal circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God "girded" Cyrus though he did not know Him?**

Answer: To "gird" someone, in ancient contexts, meant to equip them with a belt or garment, preparing them for action, work, or battle. Metaphorically, it means to empower, strengthen, or grant success. In [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Sovereignty over Cyrus"), God declares that He was the one who enabled Cyrus's military victories and rise to power, even though Cyrus was a pagan king who did not acknowledge the God of Israel. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty: He can use anyone, regardless of their faith or awareness of Him, as an instrument to accomplish His divine purposes. Cyrus's success was not due to his own might or the power of his gods, but to the unseen hand of the LORD.

**Why is it important that God declares "there is none else, there is no God beside me"?**

Answer: This declaration is crucial because it is a foundational statement of **monotheism** in a world saturated with polytheism. In the ancient Near East, nations worshipped many gods, each associated with different aspects of life or regions. By emphatically stating "there is none else, there is no God beside me," the LORD asserts His unique identity as the one and only true God, superior to all idols and false deities. This truth served to comfort exiled Israel, assuring them that their God was not defeated by Babylon's gods, but was in fact the supreme ruler over all nations and events. It also calls for exclusive worship and allegiance to Him alone, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 45:5, with its profound declaration of God's singular sovereignty and His use of an unwitting pagan king, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very God who declares "I am the LORD, and there is none else" is the Father who sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus Himself is the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign purpose, not just over nations and kings, but over sin and death. Just as God "girded" Cyrus for a temporal purpose of liberation, He eternally "girded" His Son, empowering Him for the ultimate redemptive mission. The paradox of Cyrus not knowing God, yet being used by Him, foreshadows the broader truth that God's plan of salvation was at work even among those who did not recognize Christ, as tragically demonstrated in the crucifixion (cf. [Acts 3:17](/acts/3-17 "Acts 3:17 - Ignorance of the Rulers")). Yet, through this very act, God accomplished the salvation of the world. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the one through whom all things were created and for whom all things exist ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). He is the true King, far greater than Cyrus, who not only liberates His people from physical exile but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, establishing an eternal kingdom. The declaration "there is no God beside me" is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God") and in whom the fullness of Deity dwells ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), revealing the one true God perfectly.

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 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

Isaiah 44:8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

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.

1 Kings 8:60

That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD [is] God, [and that there is] none else.

Isaiah 45:21

Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.