Isaiah 41:26
New International Version
Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could say, ‘He was right’? No one told of this, no one foretold it, no one heard any words from you.

New Living Translation
“Who told you from the beginning that this would happen? Who predicted this, making you admit that he was right? No one said a word!

English Standard Version
Who declared it from the beginning, that we might know, and beforehand, that we might say, “He is right”? There was none who declared it, none who proclaimed, none who heard your words.

Berean Standard Bible
Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.

King James Bible
Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

New King James Version
Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And former times, that we may say, ‘He is righteous’? Surely there is no one who shows, Surely there is no one who declares, Surely there is no one who hears your words.

New American Standard Bible
Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Or from former times, that we may say, “He is right!”? There was no one at all who declared, There was no one at all who proclaimed, There was no one at all who heard your words.

NASB 1995
Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Or from former times, that we may say, “He is right!"? Surely there was no one who declared, Surely there was no one who proclaimed, Surely there was no one who heard your words.

NASB 1977
Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Or from former times, that we may say, “He is right!”? Surely there was no one who declared, Surely there was no one who proclaimed, Surely there was no one who heard your words.

Legacy Standard Bible
Who has declared this from the beginning, that we might know? Or from former times, that we may say, “He is right!”? Surely there was no one who declared; Surely there was no one who caused those words to be heard; Surely there was no one who heard your words.

Amplified Bible
Who [among the idols] has declared this from the beginning, so that we could know? Or from earlier times, so that we could say, “He is [unquestionably] right!”? In fact, there was no one who declared it, Indeed, there was no one who proclaimed it; There was no one at all who heard you speak [for you pagan gods are speechless].

Christian Standard Bible
Who told about this from the beginning, so that we might know, and from times past, so that we might say, ‘He is right’? No one announced it, no one told it, no one heard your words.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who told about this from the beginning, so that we might know, and from times past, so that we might say: He is right? No one announced it, no one told it, no one heard your words.

American Standard Version
Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is right? yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that showeth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Contemporary English Version
Did any of you idols predict what would happen? Did any of you get it right? None of you told about this or even spoke a word.

English Revised Version
Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Who revealed this from the beginning so that we could know it? Who revealed this from the past so that we could say that he was right? No one revealed it. No one announced it. No one heard your words.

Good News Translation
Which of you predicted that this would happen, so that we could say that you were right? None of you said a word about it; no one heard you say a thing!

International Standard Version
Who told of this from the beginning, so we could know, or beforehand, so we could ask, 'Is it right?' Indeed, no one told of this, no one made an announcement, and no one heard your words:

Majority Standard Bible
Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ?He was right?? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.

NET Bible
Who decreed this from the beginning, so we could know? Who announced it ahead of time, so we could say, 'He's correct'? Indeed, none of them decreed it! Indeed, none of them announced it! Indeed, no one heard you say anything!

New Heart English Bible
Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And before, that we may say, 'He is right?' Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and before time, that we may say, He is righteous? verily, there is none that showeth, verily, there is none that declareth, verily, there is none that heareth your words.

World English Bible
Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and before, that we may say, ‘He is right?’ Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who has declared from the first, and we know? And formerly, and we say, “Righteous?” Indeed, there is none declaring, "" Indeed, there is none proclaiming, "" Indeed, there is none hearing your sayings.

Young's Literal Translation
Who hath declared from the first, and we know? And beforetime, and we say, 'Righteous?' yea, there is none declaring, Yea, there is none proclaiming, Yea, there is none hearing your sayings.

Smith's Literal Translation
Who announced from the beginning, and we shall know? and before, and we shall say, He is just; also none announcing; also none hearing; also none heard your words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who bath declared from the beginning, that we may know: and from time of old, that we may say: Thou art just. There is none that sheweth, nor that foretelleth, nor that heareth your words.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Who has announced this from its rising, so that we may know it, or from its beginning, so that we may say, “You are just.” There is no one who either announces, or predicts, or hears your words.

New American Bible
Who announced this from the beginning, that we might know; beforehand, that we might say, “True”? Not one of you foretold it, not one spoke; not one heard you say,

New Revised Standard Version
Who declared it from the beginning, so that we might know, and beforehand, so that we might say, “He is right”? There was no one who declared it, none who proclaimed, none who heard your words.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? Yea, there is none that shows, yea, there is none that declares, yea, there is none that hears your words.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who will show from the beginning and we shall know, and we shall say that he is righteous? There is none who shows, neither one who announces, also none who hears your words
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? And beforetime, that we may say that he is right? Yea, there is none that declareth, Yea, there is none that announceth, Yea, there is none that heareth your utterances.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For who will declare the things from the beginning, that we may know also the former things, and we will say that they are true? there is no one that speaks beforehand, nor anyone that hears your words.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Meaningless Idols
25I have raised up one from the north, and he has come—one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. 26Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words. 27I was the first to tell Zion: ‘Look, here they are!’ And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.…

Cross References
Isaiah 44:7-8
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. / Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”

Isaiah 45:21
Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me.

Isaiah 46:10
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.’

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.’

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.

Jeremiah 23:18
But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it?

Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

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.

Acts 15:18
that have been known for ages.’

Romans 16:25-26
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—

1 Corinthians 2:7-10
No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” ...

Ephesians 1:9-10
And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ / as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.

Ephesians 3:4-5
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.


Treasury of Scripture

Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yes, there is none that shows, yes, there is none that declares, yes, there is none that hears your words.

declared

Isaiah 41:22
Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

Isaiah 43:9
Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Isaiah 44:7
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.

righteous

Isaiah 41:23
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.

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Announceth Beforehand Beforetime Beginning Declared Declares Declareth Ear First Foretold Former Gives Heard Heareth Hears News Proclaimed Right Righteous Sheweth Showeth Shows Start Surely Time Times Utterances Verily Word Words
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Isaiah 41
1. God expostulates with his people, about his mercies to the church.
10. About his promises
21. And about the vanity of idols.














Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know
This phrase challenges the audience to consider who has the authority and knowledge to declare events from the beginning. In the context of Isaiah, God is asserting His sovereignty and omniscience. The rhetorical question emphasizes that no other gods or idols have the power to predict or control the future. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). It underscores the idea that true knowledge and prophecy come only from the Lord.

and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’?
This part of the verse highlights the reliability and truthfulness of God's word. Throughout the Bible, God’s prophecies have been fulfilled, demonstrating His faithfulness and accuracy. Historical events, such as the rise and fall of empires, were foretold by prophets like Isaiah, validating God's declarations. This phrase invites reflection on the fulfillment of past prophecies as evidence of God's trustworthiness, similar to how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Luke 24:44).

No one announced it, no one foretold it
Here, the text emphasizes the uniqueness of God's revelation. Unlike false prophets or idols, who cannot predict the future, God alone has the power to announce and foretell events. This is a direct challenge to the pagan nations and their deities, which were prevalent in the ancient Near East. The inability of other gods to predict the future serves to highlight the futility of idol worship and the supremacy of the God of Israel.

no one heard your words
This final phrase underscores the silence and impotence of idols and false prophets. In contrast to the living God, who speaks and acts, idols are mute and powerless. This echoes the biblical theme found in passages like Psalm 115:4-8, which describe idols as having mouths but not speaking. The phrase serves as a call to recognize the one true God, who communicates with His people and whose words are heard and fulfilled throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. God
The central figure in this passage, God is portrayed as the one who knows the future and declares it, contrasting with the false gods and idols who cannot predict or control events.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Isaiah is speaking. Israel is often addressed in the context of their relationship with God, their struggles with idolatry, and their need for repentance and trust in the Lord.

4. False Prophets/Idols
Implicit in the text is a critique of false prophets and idols, which claim to have knowledge and power but are shown to be impotent compared to the true God.

5. The Nations
The surrounding nations are often referenced in Isaiah as those who do not know God and rely on their own gods and idols, which are powerless.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Omniscience
God alone knows the future and declares it. This should lead us to trust in His plans and purposes, even when we do not understand them.

The Futility of Idolatry
Idols and false prophets cannot predict or control the future. We must be wary of placing our trust in anything other than God, whether it be material possessions, human wisdom, or other forms of idolatry.

The Importance of True Prophecy
True prophecy comes from God and is always fulfilled. We should test the spirits and be discerning about what we accept as truth, aligning it with Scripture.

God's Faithfulness
God's ability to declare the end from the beginning assures us of His faithfulness. We can rely on His promises and find peace in His unchanging nature.

Witnessing to Others
Just as God declares His truth, we are called to be witnesses to His power and sovereignty in a world that often follows false gods and ideologies.(26) Who hath declared . . .--The words paint once more the startling suddenness of the conquests of the Persian king. He was to come as a comet or a meteor. None of all the oracles in Assyria or Babylon, or in the far coasts to which the Ph?nicians sent their ships of Tarshish, had anticipated this.

Verse 26. - Who hath declared from the beginning? Which of the idol-gods has announced the coming of a conqueror? If any, we on Jehovah's side are quite willing to acknowledge it, and to say, He is righteous; or rather, he is right. But, in fact, there is none of them that showeth, none that declareth - no one has heard of any such announcement as delivered by any of them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Who
מִֽי־ (mî-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

has declared [this]
הִגִּ֤יד (hig·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

from the beginning,
מֵרֹאשׁ֙ (mê·rōš)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

so that we may know,
וְנֵדָ֔עָה (wə·nê·ḏā·‘āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural
Strong's 3045: To know

and from times past,
וּמִלְּפָנִ֖ים (ū·mil·lə·p̄ā·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

so that we may say:
וְנֹאמַ֣ר (wə·nō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘He was right’?
צַדִּ֑יק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

No
אֵין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one announced it,
מַגִּ֗יד (mag·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

no one
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

foretold it,
מַשְׁמִ֔יעַ (maš·mî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

no
אֵין־ (’ên-)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

one heard
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (šō·mê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

your words.
אִמְרֵיכֶֽם׃ (’im·rê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 561: Something said


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 41:26 Who has declared it from the beginning (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 41:25
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