Isaiah 41:12 kjv
Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Isaiah 41:12 nkjv
You shall seek them and not find them? Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing.
Isaiah 41:12 niv
Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
Isaiah 41:12 esv
You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.
Isaiah 41:12 nlt
You will look in vain
for those who tried to conquer you.
Those who attack you
will come to nothing.
Isaiah 41 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 41:10 | "Fear not, for I am with you..." | God's promise of presence and strength |
| Psa 23:4 | "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." | God's protection in times of danger |
| Deut 3:2 | "And the Lord said unto me, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand..." | God's assurance of victory over enemies |
| Josh 1:5 | "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life..." | God's promise of enablement to overcome |
| Psa 44:3 | "For by their own sword they did not gain possession of the land..." | Israel's reliance on God for victory |
| Psa 18:34 | "He teacheth my hands to war, so that a man may bend a bow of bronze..." | God's equipping for conflict |
| Phil 4:13 | "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." | The believer's strength in Christ |
| Rom 8:31 | "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" | The unassailable position of God's people |
| Jer 1:19 | "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee..." | God's promise of protection against opposition |
| Psa 3:5-6 | "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people..." | God's assurance in the face of great opposition |
| Zech 10:5 | "And they shall be like mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle..." | Description of God's victorious people |
| Psa 149:6-9 | "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand..." | Divine empowerment for judgment and victory |
| Rev 19:11-16 | "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse..." | Christ's ultimate victory over His enemies |
| Isa 54:17 | "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper..." | God's comprehensive protection |
| Psa 91:13 | "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder..." | Dominion over adversaries |
| Ex 14:14 | "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." | God's direct intervention in battle |
| 1 Cor 15:57 | "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." | The victory given through Christ |
| Gal 5:1 | "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free..." | The freedom and security in Christ |
| Col 1:13 | "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness..." | Deliverance from oppressive forces |
| Neh 4:20 | "In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, there resort ye unto us..." | The call to unity and battle readiness |
Isaiah 41 verses
Isaiah 41 12 Meaning
This verse is a divine declaration from God to His people, Israel, asserting His intention to grant them victory and dominance over their enemies. It promises them protection and assistance, ensuring they will be aided by God Himself.
Isaiah 41 12 Context
Isaiah 41 is part of a larger section (chapters 40-55) known as "Deutero-Isaiah," which speaks comfort and future restoration to the exiled people of Judah in Babylon. In this specific chapter, God is confronting the false gods of the surrounding nations, highlighting their impotence and His unique power and sovereignty. He contrasts their inability to foresee or influence events with His own foreknowledge and control, calling upon the nations to present their witnesses and announce their strength. The emphasis is on God as the incomparable, sovereign Lord who is the creator and sustainer of Israel. This particular verse arises within the context of God establishing His authority and assuring Israel of His unwavering support against all opposition, demonstrating that their adversaries will be utterly defeated due to His direct intervention.
Isaiah 41 12 Word Analysis
- And (וְ - ve): A conjunctive particle, indicating continuation of the thought or addition. Here, it links the assurance of help with the ultimate defeat of those who oppose them.
- those (הֵם - hem): Pronoun referring to the opposers mentioned implicitly or previously in the context of nations challenging God or His people.
- who contend (נִלְחָמִים - nilcḥamim): The active participle of the verb לָחַם (lacḥam), meaning "to fight," "to wage war," or "to contend." It denotes active opposition and conflict. The plural form signifies multiple adversaries.
- with (בְּ - be): A preposition often indicating "in," "with," "by," or "at." Here, it specifies the manner or instrument of contention.
- thee (בָּךְ - bakh): Second person masculine singular pronoun. Refers directly to Israel.
- shall be (יִהְיוּ - yihyu): Third person masculine plural future tense of the verb היה (hayah), meaning "to be," "to become," or "to happen." Expresses future existence or state.
- as nothing (כְּאַיִן - ke'ayin): Combination of כְּ (ke - as, like) and אַיִן (ayin - nothing, non-existent). Emphasizes complete annihilation or insignificance.
- and (וְ - ve): Another conjunctive particle.
- they (הֵם - hem): Pronoun referring back to "those who contend with thee."
- who strive (מְרִיבִים - merivim): The active participle of the verb רוּב (ruv), meaning "to contend," "to strive," "to quarrel," or "to argue." It implies opposition through dispute or active engagement.
- against (בְּ - be): Preposition, here signifying opposition or conflict against.
- thee (בָּךְ - bakh): Second person masculine singular pronoun, referring to Israel.
- shall be (יִהְיוּ - yihyu): Third person masculine plural future tense of היה (hayah), meaning "to be."
- as the things that (כְּמַקְרוּר - kemakrar or as the ones that) / alternatively rendered "as something" / "as things that are naught": The phrase implies utter non-existence or utter failure. This part of the translation can vary based on interpretation of "כִּמְתַקְּרוּם" (kimtakkerum). Some scholars understand it as "as if they had never been."
Word Groups/Phrases:
- "those who contend with thee" (הֵם נִלְחָמִים בָּךְ - hem nilcḥamim bakh): This phrase highlights direct and active opposition. God is addressing Israel's enemies who are actively engaged in conflict or opposition against them.
- "shall be as nothing" (יִהְיוּ כְּאַיִן - yihyu ke'ayin): This is a strong declaration of total defeat and annihilation. Their existence as opposing forces will be nullified.
- "they who strive against thee" (וְהֵם מְרִיבִים בָּךְ - vehem merivim bakh): This expands on the nature of opposition, including not just military but also adversarial relationships and disputes.
- "shall be as things that are naught" (וְהָיוּ כְּמַקְרוּר - vehayu kemakrar): This reinforces the absolute futility and non-existence of their opposition. They will be completely ineffective and cease to be relevant as threats. The term is emphatic for annihilation.
Isaiah 41 12 Bonus Section
The original Hebrew text uses participles for "contend" (נִלְחָמִים - nilcḥamim) and "strive" (מְרִיבִים - merivim), suggesting ongoing and active opposition. The promise of becoming "as nothing" (כְּאַיִן - ke'ayin) and "as things that are naught" (כְּמַקְרוּר - kemakrar) speaks to an absolute cessation of their opposing power. This is a definitive pronouncement by God, reflecting His unique power as the Creator and King, contrasting Him with the powerless idols of other nations whom the people of Israel were tempted to follow. The inclusiveness of "contend" and "strive" covers all forms of hostility.
Isaiah 41 12 Commentary
This verse serves as a powerful assurance of God's protective sovereignty over Israel. It moves beyond merely stating God's presence to proclaiming the absolute defeat of all who oppose His people. The adversaries are reduced to utter non-existence and insignificance in the face of God's power. This isn't just about physical conflict, but any form of contention, challenge, or opposition directed against God's covenant people. The imagery conveys that their enemies will not only fail but will cease to be a factor, as if they never existed in their opposition. This highlights God's complete control over all forces and His commitment to vindicate those who trust in Him. For the believer, this speaks to the ultimate victory we have in Christ over spiritual enemies and all worldly opposition that seeks to hinder our walk with God.
- Practical application: Trust God for protection in conflicts. Know that God can render any opposition completely powerless. Our battles are ultimately God's battles for us.