Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear. New Living Translation Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. English Standard Version Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Berean Standard Bible Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. King James Bible Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. New King James Version Show the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that you are gods; Yes, do good or do evil, That we may be dismayed and see it together. New American Standard Bible Declare the things that are going to come afterward, So that we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may be afraid and fear together. NASB 1995 Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. NASB 1977 Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. Legacy Standard Bible Declare the things that are to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. Amplified Bible Tell us the things that are to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, you should do something good or do evil, that we may be afraid and fear [you] together [as we observe the miracle]. Christian Standard Bible Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do something good or bad, then we will be in awe when we see it. Holman Christian Standard Bible Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do something good or bad, then we will be in awe and perceive. American Standard Version Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. Contemporary English Version Prove that you are gods by making your predictions come true. Do something good or evil, so we can be amazed and terrified. English Revised Version Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. GOD'S WORD® Translation Tell us what's going to happen so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something, good or evil, to intimidate us and make us afraid. Good News Translation Tell us what the future holds--then we will know that you are gods! Do something good or bring some disaster; fill us with fear and awe! International Standard Version Tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods! Yes, do something good or something bad, so we may hear and gaze at it together.'" Majority Standard Bible Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. NET Bible Predict how future events will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe. New Heart English Bible Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together. Webster's Bible Translation Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. World English Bible Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionDeclare the things that are coming hereafter, "" And we know that you [are] gods, "" Indeed, you may do good or do evil, "" And we look around and see [it] together. Young's Literal Translation Declare the things that are coming hereafter, And we know that ye are gods, Yea, ye may do good or do evil, And we look around and see it together. Smith's Literal Translation Announce the things coming hereafter, and we shall know that ye are God: also will ye do good or will ye do evil, and we shall look around for help and see together. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShew the things that are to come hereafter, and we shall know that ye are gods. Do ye also good or evil, if you can: and let us speak, and see together. Catholic Public Domain Version Announce the things that will occur in the future, and we will know that you are gods. Likewise, accomplish good or evil, if you are able, and let us speak of it and see it together. New American Bible tell what is to be in the future, that we may know that you are gods! Do something, good or evil, that will put us in awe and in fear. New Revised Standard Version Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be afraid and terrified. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleShow us the wonders that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may relate it and behold it together. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Show us the signs that are going to occur and we shall know that you are gods. Also do good and do evil, and we will be informed and we will see together OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Declare the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that ye are gods; Yea, do good, or do evil, That we may be dismayed, and behold it together. Brenton Septuagint Translation tell us, declare ye to us the things that are coming on at the last time, and we shall know that ye are gods: do good, and do evil, and we shall wonder, and see at the same time Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Meaningless Idols…22“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. 23Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay. 24Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.… Cross References Deuteronomy 18:21-22 You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. Isaiah 44:7 Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place. Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Jeremiah 28:9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only if the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent.” Daniel 2:27-28 Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these: 1 Kings 18:24 Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.” Isaiah 43:9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” Isaiah 48:3-5 I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. / For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. / Therefore I declared it to you long ago; I announced it before it came to pass, so that you could not claim, ‘My idol has done this; my carved image and molten god has ordained it.’ Jeremiah 10:5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.” Psalm 115:3-8 Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. / Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; ... Psalm 135:15-18 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ... Acts 17:23-31 For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. / The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ... Matthew 24:25 See, I have told you in advance. John 13:19 I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He. John 14:29 And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe. Treasury of Scripture Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods: yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. that we may know Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. Isaiah 44:7,8 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them… Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. do good Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 46:7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. Jeremiah 10:5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Jump to Previous Afterward Anxiously Astonished Bad Declare Dismayed Evil Fear Future Gods Good Harm Hereafter Holds Indeed Look Shew Show Something Surprised Terrified Together Whether WordJump to Next Afterward Anxiously Astonished Bad Declare Dismayed Evil Fear Future Gods Good Harm Hereafter Holds Indeed Look Shew Show Something Surprised Terrified Together Whether WordIsaiah 41 1. God expostulates with his people, about his mercies to the church.10. About his promises 21. And about the vanity of idols. Tell us the things that are to come This phrase challenges the idols and false gods to predict the future, a task only the true God can accomplish. In biblical context, prophecy is a hallmark of divine authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, where the ability to foretell future events is a test of a true prophet. The challenge underscores the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the omniscience of God, who declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). so that we may know that you are gods Yes, do something good or evil that we may look on together in dismay Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope. 2. God The one true God of Israel, who is challenging the false gods and idols in this passage to prove their divinity by predicting the future. 3. False gods/idols The entities being challenged in this verse. They represent the pagan deities worshiped by surrounding nations and some Israelites, which are powerless compared to the God of Israel. 4. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah primarily prophesied. The people of Judah were often tempted to worship idols, which Isaiah frequently addressed. 5. Prophecy The act of predicting future events, which is a key theme in this verse as God challenges the idols to demonstrate their power through prophecy. Teaching Points The Uniqueness of GodGod alone knows the future and can declare it. This sets Him apart from all false gods and idols, emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience. The Futility of Idolatry Idols are powerless and cannot affect the world. Trusting in them leads to disappointment and spiritual emptiness. The Call to Discernment Believers are encouraged to discern truth from falsehood by examining the source of prophetic claims. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed word and comes to pass. God's Sovereignty in History God's ability to declare the future demonstrates His control over history. Believers can trust in His plans and purposes, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Faith in Action Our faith should be placed in the living God who acts in history, not in lifeless idols or human constructs. This faith should lead to a life of obedience and trust.(23) Do good, or do evil.--The challenge reminds us of Elijah's on Mount Carmel (1Kings 18:27). Can the heathen point to any good or evil fortune which, as having been predicted by this or that deity, might reasonably be thought of as his work? It lies in the nature of the case that every heathen looked to his gods as having sent blessings, or the reverse, but it was only Jehovah who could give the proof supplied by prediction.Verse 23. - Yea, do good, or do evil. Here the proof required of the idol-gods is changed. If they cannot prophesy, can they effect anything? Can they do either good or harm? Let them show this. It is a plain "abatement" from the first demand, and therefore properly introduced by "yea" (aph); comp. 1 Kings 8:27. That we may be dismayed; i.e. rather, perhaps, that we may look to it, or examine it; i.e. see if yon have really shown a power of doing anything. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Tell usהַגִּ֙ידוּ֙ (hag·gî·ḏū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous the things הָאֹתִיּ֣וֹת (hā·’ō·ṯî·yō·wṯ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 857: To arrive that are to come, לְאָח֔וֹר (lə·’ā·ḥō·wr) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West so that we may know וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה (wə·nê·ḏə·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 3045: To know that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you אַתֶּ֑ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are gods. אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Yes, אַף־ (’ap̄-) Conjunction Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though do something good תֵּיטִ֣יבוּ (tê·ṭî·ḇū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing or evil, וְתָרֵ֔עוּ (wə·ṯā·rê·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7489: To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad that we may look on together in dismay. וְנִשְׁתָּ֖עָה (wə·niš·tā·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 8159: To gaze at, about, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed, bewildered Links Isaiah 41:23 NIVIsaiah 41:23 NLT Isaiah 41:23 ESV Isaiah 41:23 NASB Isaiah 41:23 KJV Isaiah 41:23 BibleApps.com Isaiah 41:23 Biblia Paralela Isaiah 41:23 Chinese Bible Isaiah 41:23 French Bible Isaiah 41:23 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Isaiah 41:23 Declare the things that are to come (Isa Isi Is) |