Isaiah 45 14

Isaiah 45:14 kjv

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

Isaiah 45:14 nkjv

Thus says the LORD: "The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush And of the Sabeans, men of stature, Shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; They shall walk behind you, They shall come over in chains; And they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, 'Surely God is in you, And there is no other; There is no other God.' "

Isaiah 45:14 niv

This is what the LORD says: "The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and those tall Sabeans? they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over to you in chains. They will bow down before you and plead with you, saying, 'Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other god.'?"

Isaiah 45:14 esv

Thus says the LORD: "The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you. They will plead with you, saying: 'Surely God is in you, and there is no other, no god besides him.'"

Isaiah 45:14 nlt

This is what the LORD says: "You will rule the Egyptians,
the Ethiopians, and the Sabeans.
They will come to you with all their merchandise,
and it will all be yours.
They will follow you as prisoners in chains.
They will fall to their knees in front of you and say,
'God is with you, and he is the only God.
There is no other.'"

Isaiah 45 verses

Isaiah 45 14 Meaning

This verse prophesies a future time when powerful and wealthy nations – Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Sabeans – will willingly and humbly submit to Israel. They will bring their valuable possessions and their very selves, acknowledging that the God of Israel is the one true God, the only divine being in existence. This signifies a profound recognition of God's sovereignty and His special relationship with His chosen people, resulting in a worldwide turning to Yahweh.

Isaiah 45 14 Context

Isaiah 45 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), emphasizing Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty and redemptive purpose for Israel. Chapters 40-48 primarily focus on God as the unique Creator and Redeemer, systematically debunking idolatry. Verse 14 is a direct consequence of God's declaration that He is the only God who acts in history (vv. 5-7), orchestrating events, even raising Cyrus (vv. 1-4) for Israel's deliverance and to reveal His identity to the world. The passage assures a downtrodden Israel of their ultimate vindication and global recognition. This verse directly precedes further affirmations of God's incomparable nature and a universal invitation to salvation. It describes a dramatic role reversal where powerful nations, once a threat, now humbly approach Israel, compelled by God's manifest presence among His people.

Isaiah 45 14 Word analysis

• Thus says the LORD: This is a classic prophetic formula (kōh 'āmar YHWH in Hebrew), indicating a direct, authoritative word from God Himself. It sets the prophecy as divine and unalterable.
• The wealth (חֵיל chayil) of Egypt:
  • chayil primarily means strength, might, army, but here in connection with Egypt and merchandise, it specifically denotes material riches, resources, and often military prowess. Egypt was renowned for its opulence and power, often depicted as an oppressor or a unreliable ally in Israel's history. Its wealth here represents the world's finest treasures.
• and the merchandise (סַחַר sachar) of Ethiopia (כּוּשׁ Kush):
  • sachar refers to commercial goods, trade, profit. Ethiopia (Kush, often associated with Nubia) was a powerful kingdom south of Egypt, known for its exotic goods and distinct culture, representing distant and significant regions.
• and the Sabeans (סְבָאִים Səvā'īm):
  • These were inhabitants of Seba, a prominent region (likely in Arabia Felix or northeast Africa, distinct from Sheba/Saba often mentioned) known for its immense wealth from frankincense, myrrh, gold, and other trade. They signify significant foreign prosperity and influence.
• men of stature (אֲנְשֵׁי מִדָּה anshê middah):
  • Literally "men of measure" or "men of height/stature." This suggests not only their physical impressive build but also their standing, power, or renown in society. They were likely a formidable and respected people.
• shall come over (יַעֲבֹרוּ ya'avoru) to you (עָלַיִךְ 'alayich):
  • ya'avoru from the root 'abar means "to cross over, pass through." It implies a movement, a shift, a boundary being traversed – physically moving to Israel's territory, and figuratively changing allegiance. "You" (עָלַיִךְ 'alayich, feminine singular) refers to Zion or the people of Israel personified.
• and be yours: A declaration of possession, not necessarily violent conquest, but a willing transfer of allegiance and resources.
• they shall follow you (וְאַחֲרַיִךְ יֵלֵכוּן ve'aḥarayich yēlēchūn):
  • Literally "and after you they shall walk." This implies leadership, discipleship, and willing submission. It's more than just proximity; it's active following.
• they shall come over in chains (בַּקּוֹבוֹת יַעֲבֹרוּ baqovot ya'avoru):
  • baqovot (singular: kova) refers to a chain, fetter, or even a spear/pike. Here it metaphorically signifies profound subjugation and humility. This is not punitive enslavement by Israel, but rather a self-imposed act of profound humility and submission, like prisoners of war humbling themselves before a victor. It underscores their utter submission to God’s people, recognizing God’s power.
• and bow down (וְיִשְׁתַּחֲווּ ve'yištaḥawu) to you:
  • yištaḥawu from the root šāḥâ means to bow down, prostrate oneself, to worship. This is the ultimate act of reverence and submission, typically reserved for deities or supreme rulers. Here, it is directed to Israel as God's representatives, which immediately precedes their declaration that God is with Israel. It signifies worship of Yahweh through reverence for His people.
• They will plead (וְיִתְפַּלְלוּ ve'yitpallělū) with you, saying:
  • yitpallělū from pālal means to pray, supplicate, intercede, entreat. They will earnestly seek favor and communicate their confession.
• Surely God is with you (אַךְ בָּךְ אֵל akh bakh 'El):
  • akh (surely, only, truly) emphasizes certainty. bakh 'El literally means "in you is God." This is a profound recognition of God's presence, power, and endorsement of Israel, mirroring the "Immanuel" theme. This is the reason for their submission.
• and there is no other; there is no god besides Him (אֵין עוֹד אֱלֹהִים ên 'od 'Elohim):
  • This is a quintessential declaration of monotheism and Yahweh's absolute uniqueness, directly echoing earlier affirmations in Isaiah (e.g., 45:5). It represents a total abandonment of their former polytheistic beliefs and idolatry.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Ethiopia and the Sabeans, men of stature": This phrase gathers three major, wealthy, and powerful nations, all historically known for their might, resources, and often, their pantheons of gods. The specific mention of their "wealth" and "merchandise" highlights their valuable possessions, which are now designated for God's people. "Men of stature" adds to the image of powerful, influential individuals, making their submission all the more significant. This serves as a polemic against the idols of these nations, whose power is eclipsed by Yahweh's.
• "shall come over to you and be yours; they shall follow you; they shall come over in chains and bow down to you": This describes a comprehensive and deeply humbling act of submission. "Come over to you" implies a voluntary migration and seeking out Israel. "Be yours" indicates a transfer of ownership, likely of their resources and allegiance. "Follow you" points to active service and obedience. The imagery of "chains" depicts a complete surrender, as if captured, yet the context implies a spiritual and willing subjugation, driven by recognition of God rather than military conquest by Israel. "Bow down to you" signifies reverence, worship, and profound respect, seeing God's presence with Israel.
• "They will plead with you, saying, 'Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no god besides Him'": This is the theological climax. The supplicating gesture expresses their earnestness. Their confession is twofold: first, the recognition of God's special presence and power with Israel (affirming the "Immanuel" principle); and second, the profound monotheistic declaration that Yahweh is the exclusive, incomparable God. This moves beyond merely recognizing Israel's elevated status to worshiping the source of that status, definitively renouncing polytheism.

Isaiah 45 14 Bonus section

This prophecy holds a dual fulfillment: an initial partial realization in the post-exilic period and during the early church's Gentile mission, but its ultimate, complete realization is eschatological, in the future Messianic age or the new creation. The humility described (coming "in chains" and "bowing down") reflects a spiritual posture rather than physical enslavement; it's the humble surrender of hearts acknowledging God's majesty. The polemic is direct and forceful against the rich pantheons of the depicted nations, presenting a clear contrast: their wealth and power are ultimately subordinate to Yahweh. The focus is not on Israel's superiority, but on the demonstration of Yahweh's incomparable power through Israel.

Isaiah 45 14 Commentary

Isaiah 45:14 offers a magnificent eschatological vision of God's universal dominion and Israel's role in its manifestation. It depicts a future reversal where mighty, often hostile, nations—represented by Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, rich in material and human might—will not oppress but willingly approach Zion. Their "chains" are not imposed by human might but symbolize a voluntary humbling before the divine reality. They will come not merely out of submission to Israel, but driven by a profound recognition that the true God, the incomparable Yahweh, is uniquely present with His people. This profound acknowledgment culminates in a full monotheistic confession, forsaking all other gods. The verse illustrates God's sovereign power to draw all nations to Himself, making Zion a spiritual beacon through which the world recognizes His singular, exclusive deity. This is a message of hope, not for Israel's military might, but for the global triumph of God's truth.