Isaiah 46 10

Isaiah 46:10 kjv

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:10 nkjv

Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'

Isaiah 46:10 niv

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Isaiah 46:10 esv

declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

Isaiah 46:10 nlt

Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish.

Isaiah 46 verses

Isaiah 46 10 Meaning

Isaiah 46:10 proclaims the unparalleled sovereignty of God. He is the one who declares all future events, from their absolute inception to their final conclusion, long before they occur. His divine plan, born from His wisdom and purpose, is unchangeable and will assuredly come to pass. This verse highlights God's omniscience (knowing all) and omnipotence (ability to do all), affirming that His will and counsel are utterly secure and effective, contrasting sharply with the impotence of idols and false gods.

Isaiah 46 10 Context

Isaiah chapter 46, often titled "The Idols of Babylon," forms part of a broader section (chapters 40-48) where God passionately contrasts His own sovereign power and unique nature with the futility of idols, particularly those worshipped in Babylon. The previous verses (Isa 46:1-2) vividly depict the ignominy of the Babylonian gods, Bel and Nebo, who are depicted as burdens for beasts, unable to save themselves, let alone their devotees, from being carried into captivity. In contrast, verses 3-4 establish Yahweh as the God who carries His people "from birth to old age," emphasizing His enduring care and redemptive power.

Against this backdrop, verse 10 stands as the pinnacle of God's self-declaration, establishing the fundamental distinction between Him and all other so-called gods. Their powerlessness in foretelling the future is juxtaposed with His absolute foreknowledge and control. It’s a polemic directly targeting Babylonian divination practices and their belief in their gods’ or priests’ ability to discern future events through omens and astral observations. Yahweh’s declaration that He determines the end from the beginning asserts His singular power, leaving no room for rival deities or human machinations to affect His ultimate plan.

Isaiah 46 10 Word analysis

• Declaring (מַגִּיד - maggîd): Hebrew Hiphil participle, active and ongoing. It implies a constant, authoritative proclamation. This is not just knowing, but announcing what will happen. It underlines God’s open challenge to the false gods who cannot declare anything accurately.
• the end (אַחֲרִית - ’aḥărîṯ): Refers to the "latter end," the ultimate outcome, the consummation of events, and the entire future timeline.
• from the beginning (מֵרֵאשִׁית - mē’rēšîṯ): Signifies the earliest point, the origin, even from eternity before anything existed. This denotes absolute and comprehensive foreknowledge.
• and from ancient times (וּמִקֶּדֶם - ûmiqqedem): Reinforces "from the beginning." Qedem can refer to past time, antiquity, or even eternal time. It emphasizes the deep antiquity of God’s knowledge and planning.
• things that are not yet done (אֲשֶׁר לֹא־נַעֲשׂוּ - ’ăšer lō’-na‘ăśû): Literally, "that have not been made/performed." This clearly speaks of future, unaccomplished events, stressing the predictive nature of His declarations.
• saying (אֹמֵר - ’ōmēr): Hebrew Qal participle, linking the declarative statement to His own personal will. It's an direct assertion of divine intent.
• My counsel (עֲצָתִי - ‘ăṣāṯî): God's deliberate, well-formed plan, purpose, or decision. It highlights a reasoned and determined intention. It is not whimsical but established wisdom.
• shall stand (תָקוּם - tāqûm): Hebrew Qal imperfect, meaning it will "rise," "endure," "be established," "stand firm." This implies an unshakeable, irreversible permanence; nothing can oppose or nullify it.
• and I will do (וְכָל־חֶפְצִי אֶעֱשֶׂה - wəḵol-ḥep̄ṣî ’e‘ĕśeh): "and I will perform all My pleasure."
• all my pleasure (כָל־חֶפְצִי - kol-ḥep̄ṣî): "My whole delight, desire, or purpose." This signifies that His actions are entirely rooted in His own will and righteous desires, for His glory. He is not forced or constrained, but acts freely according to His perfect wisdom.

Isaiah 46 10 Bonus section

The emphasis on God's pre-declaration and the certainty of His counsel standing has significant implications for understanding the entire sweep of salvation history. All Messianic prophecies found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., in Genesis, Psalms, and Isaiah itself) are presented with the authority of this verse. God, who declared the end from the beginning, ordained the coming of the Messiah, His life, death, resurrection, and future return, long before these events unfolded in human history. This foundational truth demonstrates that salvation through Christ is not a contingent event or a reactive plan, but the meticulously predetermined and perfectly executed pleasure of God. It underlines the unchanging character of God and the reliability of His word, forming the basis for trusting in His every promise and command.

Isaiah 46 10 Commentary

Isaiah 46:10 encapsulates a core truth about the God of Israel, distinguishing Him absolutely from all false gods: He possesses perfect foreknowledge and absolute sovereignty. The imagery in Isaiah 46 starkly contrasts the Babylonian idols—lifeless, needing to be carried, and powerless—with Yahweh, the living God who carries His people and acts according to His immutable plan. His ability to declare "the end from the beginning" means His understanding of time and causality is complete, unconstrained by linear progression. This isn't just foresight, but a proactive determination of events.

The affirmation "My counsel shall stand" emphasizes the steadfastness and invincibility of God's sovereign will. No human or demonic power can thwart His purpose. Every event, every circumstance, fits into His overarching plan, even those things that seem chaotic or adverse from a human perspective. Furthermore, "I will do all my pleasure" highlights God's freedom and intention to accomplish everything He wills, motivated by His own perfect character and for His ultimate glory. This provides profound assurance for believers, knowing that their lives, and indeed all history, are unfolding within the bounds of a divine, unshakeable purpose, guaranteeing that all His promises, including those of salvation and redemption, will be perfectly fulfilled. This declaration serves as the theological bedrock for all biblical prophecy.