Isaiah 41:4
Isaiah 41:4 in Multiple Translations
Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last— I am He.”
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last, I am he.
Whose purpose and work was it? His who sent out the generations from the start. I the Lord, the first, and with the last, I am he.
Who has achieved and done this, calling into existence each generation from the beginning of time? I, the Lord, the first and the last, I am the one.
Who hath wrought and done it? he that calleth the generations from the beginning. I the Lord am the first, and with the last I am ye same.
Who hath wrought and done, Calling the generations from the first? I, Jehovah, the first, and with the last I [am] He.
Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD, the first, and with the last, I am he.”
Who hath wrought and done it , calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Who hath wrought and done these things, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, I am the first and the last.
Who has enabled rulers to do [DOU] mighty things like that? Who has done that throughout all generations? It is I, Yahweh; I was the first one to do things like that, and I will be the last one to do them.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 41:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
פָעַ֣ל
וְ/עָשָׂ֔ה
קֹרֵ֥א
הַ/דֹּר֖וֹת
מֵ/רֹ֑אשׁ
אֲנִ֤י
יְהוָה֙
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
וְ/אֶת
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
אֲנִי
הֽוּא
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
פָעַ֣ל
pâʻal
H6466
to work
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/עָשָׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קֹרֵ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal
הַ/דֹּר֖וֹת
dôwr
H1755
generation
Art | N-mp
מֵ/רֹ֑אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
last
Adj
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:4
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
פָעַ֣ל
pâʻal
H6466
"to work"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
וְ/עָשָׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
קֹרֵ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
הַ/דֹּר֖וֹת
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
מֵ/רֹ֑אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אַחֲרֹנִ֖ים
ʼachărôwn
H314
"last"
Adj
This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.
Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.
אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:4
Context — God’s Help to Israel
2Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness ? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
3He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet.
4Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last— I am He.”
5The islands see and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward. 6Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 48:12 | Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I have called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last. |
| 2 | Revelation 22:13 | I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” |
| 3 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 4 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
| 5 | Isaiah 44:6–7 | 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. 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. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:26 | 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. |
| 7 | Revelation 1:8 | “I am the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty. |
| 8 | Isaiah 43:10 | “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come. |
| 9 | Acts 17:26 | From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 32:7–8 | Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you. When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. |
Isaiah 41:4 Summary
This verse is saying that God is the one who has been in control of everything from the very beginning. He is the first and the last, meaning He has no beginning or end, and He is the one who has been guiding human history. Just like how God raised up a leader from the east in the previous verses, He is always working in the world, shaping the course of nations and empires, as seen in Acts 17:26. We can trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that He is the one who has been and will continue to be in control, as seen in Psalm 135:21 and Revelation 1:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to be 'the first and the last'?
This title emphasizes God's eternal nature and sovereignty over all of history, as also seen in Revelation 1:8 and Isaiah 44:6, where He declares that He has no beginning or end.
How does God 'call forth the generations from the beginning'?
This phrase suggests that God has been actively involved in shaping human history from the beginning, guiding the course of nations and empires, as seen in Acts 17:26 and Psalm 135:21, where God's sovereignty over human affairs is highlighted.
What is the significance of God saying 'I am He'?
This statement is a declaration of God's unique identity and authority, emphasizing that He is the one true God, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:39 and Isaiah 43:10, where God affirms His singular role as the Creator and Savior of the world.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse serves as a culmination of God's declaration of His power and sovereignty, as seen in the preceding verses, where He describes His work in raising up a leader from the east and giving Him victory over nations, as well as in the following verses, where the islands and ends of the earth respond in fear and awe to God's majesty.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God has 'called forth the generations from the beginning' in my own life and family history?
- How does the fact that God is 'the first and the last' give me confidence and hope in the present and for the future?
- In what ways can I, like the islands and ends of the earth in the next verse, respond in reverence and awe to God's majesty and power?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, and how can I apply the truth of this verse to those situations?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it,.... Contrived and effected it, formed the scheme, and brought it to pass; namely, raising up the righteous man from the east, and succeeding him in the manner described:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. Who - else but God? Wrought and done (it), calling the generations from the beginning?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it? whose work was this but mine? Calling; either, 1. Calling them out of nothing, giving to them breath and being; or, 2. Calling them to his foot, as he said above, , disposing and employing them as he sees fit, sending them upon his errands. The generations from the beginning; all persons and generations of mankind from the beginning of the world to the end of it. The first, and with the last; who was before all things, even from eternity, and shall be unto eternity; whereas the idols, to whom God herein opposeth himself, were but of yesterday, being made by men’ s hands, and shall within a little time vanish, and be destroyed.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done [it], calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I [am] he.Ver. 4. Who hath wrought and done it?] Here the Gentiles should have answered for God, which because they did not, but were senselessly silent, therefore he answereth by a description of himself. Calling the generations from the beginning.] Giving them their being, and having them at a beck. I the Lord, the first, and with the last.] πρωτοςτεκαιυστατος, εντεμεσοισιν. This was anciently believed concerning God, as Plato testifieth. A te principium tibi desinet. De Leg., lib. iv. Virgil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
(4) I the Lord . . .—The words are the utterance of the great thought of eternity which is the essence of the creed of Israel (comp. Exodus 3:14; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:26), and appear in the Alpha and Omega of Rev 1:11; Revelation 4:8. The identical formula, “I am He” meets us in Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 46:4; Isaiah 48:12. It is probably used as an assertion of an eternal being in the “I AM” of John 8:58.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
Verse 4. Who hath wrought and done it - "Who hath performed and made these things"] A word is here lost out of the text. It is supplied by an ancient MS., אלה elleh, "these things;" and by the Septuagint, ταυτα; and by the Vulgate, haec; and by the Chaldee, אלן elin; all of the same meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:4
4. The answer. calling the generations from the beginning] i.e. guiding the destinies of the nations from the origins of human history. The clause should be connected with what follows: it belongs to the answer, not to the question (“He that calleth”). I am he] Cf. ch. Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 46:4, Isaiah 48:12, also Psalms 102:27. The sense which best suits the various passages is, “I am the same.” There is probably an allusion to the explanation of the name Jehovah in Exodus 3:14 ff. Jehovah is “the First,” existing before history began to run its course, and He is “with the last,” an ever-present, unchanging God.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:4
Who hath wrought and done it? - By whom has all this been accomplished? Has it been by the arm of Cyrus? Has it been by human skill and powers. The design of this question is obvious.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:4
4. Who hath wrought and done it — That is, hath raised up such a conqueror, and from the beginning, from the far past, has had the fact predicted? With august authority the Lord claims himself as the sole author.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |
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The Beginning by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the overwhelming love of God and the impossibility of containing it. He describes how when people praise and worship God, they are joined to |
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Jehovah-Jesus the Constant Companion and Faithful Friend of Elect Sinners by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the glorious truths revealed by JEHOVAH the Spirit in Isaiah 41, contrasting the weakness of Israel with the omnipotence and greatness of Israel's God. |
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The Same, the First and the Last by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart, following righteousness, faith, love, and peace, especially in difficult times as foretold in |
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Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and |
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Jehovah's Witnesses #3 - the Ten Misapplied Texts Pt. 2 (The Watchtower and False Prophesy) by Mike Theule | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the nature of God. He shares a personal experience of witnessing to a Jehovah's Witness girl who was convinced |
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I Beseech Thee (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency and importance of embracing the mercy of God. He urges the audience to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleas |