Isaiah 48:5

Isaiah 48:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.’

King James Version KJV

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

American Standard Version ASV

therefore I have declared it to thee from of old; before it came to pass I showed it thee; lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For this reason I made it clear to you in the past, before it came I gave you word of it: for fear that you might say, My god did these things, and my pictured and metal images made them come about.

Free Bible Version FBV

I predicted these things to you long ago, before they happened. I explained them to you so that you couldn't say “My idol did this,” or “My image and my metal god ordered this to happen.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore I haue declared it to thee of old: before it came to passe, I shewed it thee, lest thou shouldest say, Mine idole hath done them, and my carued image, and my molten image hath commanded them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I declare to thee from that time, Before it cometh I have caused thee to hear, Lest thou say, 'Mine idol hath done them, And my graven image, And my molten image did command them.

World English Bible WEB

therefore I have declared it to you from of old; before it came to pass I showed it to you; lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them. My engraved image and my molten image has commanded them.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I showed it thee: lest thou shouldst say, My idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I foretold thee of old, before they came to pass I told thee, lest thou shouldst say: My idols have done these things, and my graven and molten things have commanded them.

Translation for Translators T4T

That is why I told you those things long ago. Long before they occurred, I announced that they would occur, in order that when they happened you could not say ‘Our idols did it; our statue made of wood and our idol made of metal caused them to happen.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 48:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 48:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אַגִּ֤יד לְ/ךָ֙ מֵ/אָ֔ז בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם תָּב֖וֹא הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑י/ךָ פֶּן תֹּאמַר֙ עָצְבִּ֣/י עָשָׂ֔/ם וּ/פִסְלִ֥/י וְ/נִסְכִּ֖/י צִוָּֽ/ם

וָ/אַגִּ֤יד nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs

לְ/ךָ֙ Prep | Suff

מֵ/אָ֔ז ʼâz H227 then Prep | Adv

בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם ṭerem H2962 before Prep | Adv

תָּב֖וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑י/ךָ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj

תֹּאמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

עָצְבִּ֣/י ʻôtseb H6090 pain N-ms | Suff

עָשָׂ֔/ם ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

וּ/פִסְלִ֥/י peçel H6459 idol Conj | N-ms | Suff

וְ/נִסְכִּ֖/י neçek H5262 drink offering Conj | N-ms | Suff

צִוָּֽ/ם tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 48:5

וָ/אַגִּ֤יד nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

לְ/ךָ֙ "" Prep | Suff

מֵ/אָ֔ז ʼâz H227 "then" Prep | Adv

This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.

בְּ/טֶ֥רֶם ṭerem H2962 "before" Prep | Adv

This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.

Definition: before, not yet, before that

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.

תָּב֖וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הִשְׁמַעְתִּ֑י/ךָ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj

This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.

Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.

תֹּאמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

עָצְבִּ֣/י ʻôtseb H6090 "pain" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to an idol, but also describes physical or mental pain, like the sorrow King David felt in Psalm 51. It can also mean wickedness. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like Isaiah 45:20, where idols are contrasted with the one true God.

Definition: pain, sorrow

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: idol, sorrow, [idiom] wicked. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:9; Isaiah 14:3; Psalms 139:24.

עָשָׂ֔/ם ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

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.

וּ/פִסְלִ֥/י peçel H6459 "idol" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to an idol or carved image, often used to describe false gods or objects of worship. It is sometimes translated as graven image, emphasizing the act of carving or shaping the idol. This concept is seen in the Bible as a form of rebellion against God.

Definition: idol, image Also means: pe.sil (פָּסִיל "idol" H6456)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: carved (graven) image. See also: Exodus 20:4; 2 Chronicles 33:7; Psalms 97:7.

וְ/נִסְכִּ֖/י neçek H5262 "drink offering" Conj | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to a drink offering, where a liquid is poured out as a sacrifice to God, often in a ceremonial context, as seen in Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Definition: 1) drink offering, libation, molten image, something poured out 1a) drink offering 1b) molten images Aramaic equivalent: ne.sakh (נְסַךְ "drink offering" H5261)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cover, drink offering, molten image. See also: Genesis 35:14; Numbers 29:27; Psalms 16:4.

צִוָּֽ/ם tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

Study Notes — Isaiah 48:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 48:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:5
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:5
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5
Sermons on Isaiah 48:5

Context — Israel’s Stubbornness

3I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. 4For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze.

5Therefore 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.’

6You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not acknowledge them? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you. 7They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot claim, ‘I already knew them!’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 48:3	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.
2	Luke 1:70	as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
3	Acts 15:18	that have been known for ages.’
4	Jeremiah 44:15–18	Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women standing by—a great assembly—along with all the people living in the land of Egypt and in Pathros, said to Jeremiah, “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. But from the time we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have been perishing by sword and famine.”
5	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.’
6	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.
7	Isaiah 42:8–9	I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Isaiah 48:5 Summary

[Isaiah 48:5 means that God told us about things that would happen ahead of time, so we would know that He is the one who makes them happen, and not some fake god or idol, as seen in Psalm 96:5. This shows us that God is all-powerful and in control of everything. By declaring things before they happen, God is showing us that He is the one true God, and we can trust in Him alone, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:11.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God declare things to Israel long ago in Isaiah 48:5?

God declared things to Israel long ago so that they would know He is the one true God and not attribute His works to their idols, as seen in Isaiah 48:5 and also in Deuteronomy 29:16 where it warns against idolatry.

What is the significance of God announcing things before they come to pass in this verse?

The significance is that it shows God's sovereignty and power, as well as His desire for His people to trust in Him alone, as stated in Isaiah 46:10 where God declares the end from the beginning.

How does this verse relate to the idea of free will and God's sovereignty?

This verse suggests that God's sovereignty is not limited by human free will, and that He can declare things before they happen, as seen in Isaiah 48:5 and also in Jeremiah 1:5 where God says He knew Jeremiah before he was born.

What is the main point God is trying to convey to Israel in Isaiah 48:5?

The main point is that God alone is the one who ordains and accomplishes things, and not their idols, as stated in Isaiah 48:5 and also in Psalm 115:1-8 where it contrasts the true God with idols.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to give credit to something or someone other than God for the good things that happen?
How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 48:5, to my daily life and decisions?
In what ways can I declare God's greatness and sovereignty to those around me, just as God declared His plans to Israel long ago?
What are some 'idols' in my life that I may be giving too much credit to, and how can I redirect my focus to the one true God?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 48:5

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee,.... From the beginning of their being a people, even before they were formed into a body politic; yea, from the original of them, from the time of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 48:5

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5

I foretold these things, that it might be evident that they were the effects of my counsel, and not of thine idols, as I knew thou wast very inclinable to believe.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5

Isaiah 48:5 I have even from the beginning declared [it] to thee; before it came to pass I shewed [it] thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.Ver. 5. I have even from the beginning, &c.] See Isaiah 48:3. It is probable that there were many among the Jews who, when they saw themselves to be so punished, and the heathen prospered, would be ready to think that the God of Israel either could not or would not do for his people, as those devil gods did for theirs. For their help, therefore, under such a temptation, God was pleased to foretell his people what good or evil should betide them, and accordingly to accomplish it.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 48:5

5. I have even … thee] And I announced it to thee beforehand (Isaiah 48:3). lest thou shouldest say &c.] But for the predictions the appearance of Cyrus would have been attributed to the idols rather than to the God who spoke through the prophets. The prevalence of idolatry among the exiles is abundantly proved by the book of Ezekiel.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 48:5

I have even from the beginning declared it to thee - He had foretold future events, so that they had abundant demonstration thai he was the true God, and so that they could not be under a mistake in

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 48:5

3-5. I have declared — Or, have announced. Former things — Former events, before they came to pass; or, as some suppose, “and they have come to pass” Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 44:7-8.

Sermons on Isaiah 48:5

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 46-47 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his prideful behavior. Nebuchadnezzar initially repents and walks humbly before God, but eventually falls bac
	Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being e
	(Through the Bible) Luke 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' coming, which is to seek and save the lost. The concept of redemption is highlighted, with the speaker noting that God
	Of the Covenant of Grace, as Exhibited in the Times of David, and the Succeeding Prophets, to the Coming of Christ. by John Gill	John Gill expounds on the Covenant of Grace as revealed through the times of David and the succeeding prophets leading up to Christ. He emphasizes that the covenant was foretold by
	The Introduction; With a Particular Consideration of That First Prophecy, Respecting the Messiah, Recorded in Genesis 3:15. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the significance of the first prophecy regarding the Messiah found in Genesis 3:15, which foretells the enmity between the serpent and the woman's seed. He exp
	Attributes of God - Wrath, Eternity, Infiity and Foreknowledge by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the finite nature of human life and the infinite nature of God. They emphasize the privilege of serving God and encourage young people to de
	Revival - God's Part, My Part by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of unemployment and aimlessness among young people in third world countries. He highlights the desperation of these individuals who