Isaiah 45:21
New International Version
Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.

New Living Translation
Consult together, argue your case. Get together and decide what to say. Who made these things known so long ago? What idol ever told you they would happen? Was it not I, the LORD? For there is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior. There is none but me.

English Standard Version
Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me.

New American Standard Bible
“Declare and present your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this long ago? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

NASB 1995
“Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

NASB 1977
“Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Declare and draw near with your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has made this heard from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, Yahweh? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

Amplified Bible
“Declare and present your defense of idols; Indeed, let them consult together. Who announced this [rise of Cyrus and his conquests] long before it happened? Who declared it long ago? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A [consistently and uncompromisingly] just and righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.

Christian Standard Bible
Speak up and present your case — yes, let them consult each other. Who predicted 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 no one except me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Speak up and present your case— yes, let them take counsel together. Who predicted this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, Yahweh? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is no one except Me.

American Standard Version
Declare ye, and bring it forth; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath showed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I, Jehovah? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me.

Contemporary English Version
"Why don't you get together and meet me in court? Didn't I tell you long ago what would happen? I am the only God! There are no others. I bring about justice, and have the power to save.

English Revised Version
Declare ye, and bring it forth; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath shewed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a saviour; there is none beside me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Speak and present your case. Yes, let them consult one another. Who revealed this in the distant past and predicted it long ago? Wasn't it I, the LORD? There is no other God except me. There is no other righteous God and Savior besides me.

Good News Translation
Come and present your case in court; let the defendants consult one another. Who predicted long ago what would happen? Was it not I, the LORD, the God who saves his people? There is no other god.

International Standard Version
Explain and present a case! Yes, let them take counsel together. Who announced this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me, a righteous God and Savior; and there is none besides me.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Tell me! Present the evidence! Let them consult with one another! Who predicted this in the past? Who announced it beforehand? Was it not I, the LORD? I have no peer, there is no God but me, a God who vindicates and delivers; there is none but me.

New Heart English Bible
Declare and bring it forth. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who announced this from long ago, has told it from then? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior; there is no one besides me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Tell ye, and bring them near; yes, 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 besides me; a just God and a Savior; there is none besides me.

World English Bible
Declare and present it. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has shown this from ancient time? Who has declared it of old? Haven’t I, Yahweh? There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior. There is no one besides me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Declare, and bring near, "" Indeed, they take counsel together, "" Who has proclaimed this from of old? [Who] has declared it from that time? Is it not I—YHWH? And there is no other god besides Me, "" A God righteous and saving, there is none except Me.

Young's Literal Translation
Declare ye, and bring near, Yea, they take counsel together, Who hath proclaimed this from of old? From that time hath declared it? Is it not I -- Jehovah? And there is no other god besides Me, A God righteous and saving, there is none save Me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Announce ye, and bring near; also ye shall take counsel together: who caused this to be heard from of old, from then announcing it? was it not I Jehovah? and no God more beside me; a just God and Saviour; none beside me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Tell ye, and come, and consult together: who hath declared this from the beginning, who hath foretold this from that time? Have not I the Lord, and there is no God else besides me? A just God and a saviour, there is none besides me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Announce it, and approach, and consult together. Who has caused this to be heard from the beginning, and who has foretold it from that time? Is it not I, the Lord? And is there some other god beside me? I am a just God who saves, and there is no one except me.

New American Bible
Come close and declare; let them take counsel together: Who announced this from the beginning, declared it from of old? Was it not I, the LORD, besides whom there is no other God? There is no just and saving God but me.

New Revised Standard Version
Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is no one besides me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Tell and draw near and consult together; who has declared this from ancient time? Was it not I, the LORD from the beginning? And there is no other God besides me; a just God and Saviour; there is none besides me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Show and approach and be counseled as one. Who has made this heard from former time, and from the beginning? I AM LORD JEHOVAH, and there is no other God outside of me, The righteous God and The Savior, and there is none outside of me
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Declare ye, and bring them near, Yea, let them take counsel together: Who hath announced this from ancient time, And declared it of old? Have not I the LORD? And there is no God else beside Me, A just God and a Saviour; There is none beside Me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If they will declare, let them draw nigh, that they may know together, who has caused these things to be heard from the beginning: then was it told you. I am God, and there is not another beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none but me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Calls Cyrus
20Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save. 21Speak 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. 22Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.…

Cross References
Isaiah 43:11
I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me.

Isaiah 44:6
Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.

Isaiah 46:9
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.

Deuteronomy 4:35
You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

Hosea 13:4
Yet I am the LORD your God ever since the land of Egypt; you know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me.

Psalm 86:10
For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.

Psalm 18:31
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

Psalm 96:5
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

Jeremiah 10:10
But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

Acts 4:12
Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:29-30
Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, / since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.


Treasury of Scripture

Tell you, and bring them near; yes, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.

tell ye

Psalm 26:7
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalm 71:17,18
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works…

Psalm 96:10
Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

and bring

Isaiah 41:1-4
Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment…

who hath declared

Isaiah 41:22,23
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 44:7,8
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…

and there is

Isaiah 45:5,14,18
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: …

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.

a just

Isaiah 45:25
In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Isaiah 43:3,11
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee…

Isaiah 63:1
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

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Isaiah 45
1. God calls Cyrus for his church's sake
5. By his omnipotence he challenges obedience
20. He convinces the idols of vanity by his saving power














Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together.
This phrase is a divine challenge to the idols and false gods of the nations. It reflects the courtroom imagery often used by the prophets, where God calls the nations to present their arguments and defend their idols. This setting emphasizes God's sovereignty and the futility of idol worship. The call to "take counsel together" suggests a gathering of wisdom and strength, yet it underscores the inability of these false gods to deliver or predict the future.

Who foretold this long ago?
This question highlights God's omniscience and His ability to declare the end from the beginning. It refers to the prophecies given through His prophets, which have consistently come to pass. This is a direct challenge to the idols, which cannot predict or influence future events. The rhetorical nature of the question points to God's unique ability to reveal His plans to humanity, as seen in the fulfillment of prophecies throughout the Bible.

Who announced it from ancient times?
This phrase emphasizes the continuity and reliability of God's word throughout history. It suggests that God's plans and purposes have been consistent and unchanging from the beginning. The reference to "ancient times" connects to the longstanding tradition of prophecy in Israel, where God communicated His will through chosen messengers. This continuity is a testament to God's faithfulness and the trustworthiness of His promises.

Was it not I, the LORD?
Here, God asserts His identity as the one true deity who has revealed His plans. The use of "I, the LORD" is a declaration of His covenant name, Yahweh, which signifies His eternal existence and unchanging nature. This assertion distinguishes Him from the powerless idols and reinforces His role as the sovereign ruler of the universe. It is a reminder of His personal involvement in the affairs of the world and His commitment to His people.

There is no other God but Me,
This statement is a clear declaration of monotheism, central to the faith of Israel. It underscores the exclusivity of God, rejecting the existence of any other deities. This theme is prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah, where God repeatedly affirms His unique status as the only true God. It serves as a call to reject idolatry and recognize the LORD as the sole object of worship and devotion.

a righteous God and Savior;
This phrase highlights two key attributes of God: His righteousness and His role as Savior. God's righteousness refers to His moral perfection and justice, ensuring that His actions are always right and fair. As Savior, God is the deliverer and redeemer of His people, providing salvation from sin and oppression. This dual role is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's righteousness and offers salvation to all who believe.

there is none but Me.
The repetition of this assertion reinforces the exclusivity of God and His unparalleled nature. It serves as a final affirmation of His supremacy over all creation. This statement is a call to recognize God's unique authority and to place trust solely in Him. It echoes the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, found in Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this passage, Yahweh is declaring His unique sovereignty and role as the only true God and Savior.

2. The Nations
Implicit in the call to "present your case" are the nations and their idols, which are being challenged by God to prove their divinity and power.

3. Isaiah
The prophet through whom God is speaking, delivering a message of monotheism and divine sovereignty.

4. Ancient Times
Refers to the historical context and the longstanding revelation of God’s plans and purposes.

5. Idols
Though not mentioned explicitly in this verse, the context involves a contrast between the living God and the powerless idols of the nations.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize and affirm the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life. He alone is the ultimate authority and power.

Monotheism
Embrace the truth that there is only one God. This foundational belief should shape our worldview and interactions with others.

God as Savior
Trust in God alone for salvation. He is the only source of true deliverance and redemption.

Challenge of Idolatry
Examine personal and cultural idols that may compete for our allegiance and trust. Commit to removing these from our lives.

Prophetic Fulfillment
Appreciate the reliability of God's word as seen in fulfilled prophecy. This should strengthen our faith and confidence in His promises.(21) Tell ye, and bring them near.--Yet another challenge to the idols and their worshippers.

A just God and a Saviour.--Stress is laid on the union of the two attributes which in human actions are often thought incompatible. (Comp. Psalm 85:10.) In virtue of that union the invitation of Isaiah 45:22 is addressed to all the ends of the world. The offer of salvation is universal.

Verse 21. - Tell ye, and bring them near. Dr. Kay and Mr. Cheyne understand the nations to be addressed, and told to "show" or "announce," and "bring forth" or "produce," any argument in favour of the divinity of their gods. But it is simpler and better, with our translators, to regard the address as made to the prophets of God, who are bidden to announce his message of mercy to the nations, and to bring them near to him (comp. Isaiah 40:1). Let them take counsel together; i.e. let the nations consider one with another, whether God or the idols be the fitter object of worship. Who hath declared this? "This" must refer to the conquest of Babylon and deliverance of Israel by Cyrus. None but Jehovah had ever announced this - none but he could bring it to pass. From ancient time; rather, from aforetime (Cheyne). The announcement cannot have been made very long before this prophecy was delivered. A just God and a Saviour. A God in whom "mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other" (Psalm 85:16); who can be at once just, "acting stringently according to the demands of his holiness" (Delitzsch), and yet design and effect the salvation of sinners.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Speak up
הַגִּ֣ידוּ (hag·gî·ḏū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

and present your case—
וְהַגִּ֔ישׁוּ (wə·hag·gî·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

yes,
אַ֥ף (’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

let them take counsel
יִֽוָּעֲצ֖וּ (yiw·wā·‘ă·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve

together.
יַחְדָּ֑ו (yaḥ·dāw)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly

Who
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

foretold
הִשְׁמִיעַ֩ (hiš·mî·a‘)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

this
זֹ֨את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

long ago?
מִקֶּ֜דֶם (miq·qe·ḏem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6924: The front, of place, time

Who announced it
הִגִּידָ֗הּ (hig·gî·ḏāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

from ancient times?
מֵאָ֣ז (mê·’āz)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

Was it not
הֲל֨וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I,
אֲנִ֤י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

the LORD?
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

There is no
וְאֵֽין־ (wə·’ên-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

other
ע֤וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

God
אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

but Me,
מִבַּלְעָדַ֔י (mib·bal·‘ā·ḏay)
Preposition-m | first person common singular
Strong's 1107: Apart from, except, without

a righteous
צַדִּ֣יק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

God
אֵֽל־ (’êl-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

and Savior;
וּמוֹשִׁ֔יעַ (ū·mō·wō·šî·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

there is none
אַ֖יִן (’a·yin)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

but Me.
זוּלָתִֽי׃ (zū·lā·ṯî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 2108: Scattering, removal, except


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 45:21 Declare and bring it forth (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 45:20
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