Isaiah 46 9

Isaiah 46:9 kjv

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

Isaiah 46:9 nkjv

Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

Isaiah 46:9 niv

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46:9 esv

remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,

Isaiah 46:9 nlt

Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46 verses

Isaiah 46 9 Meaning

Isaiah 46:9 serves as a profound call to remembrance, urging God's people to recall His consistent, powerful, and historical acts as irrefutable evidence of His unique identity. It is a dual declaration of God's singularity: He is the only God who exists, and there is no one and nothing comparable to Him. This verse grounds present faith in the immutable character of God, demonstrated throughout history, firmly asserting absolute monotheism against any rival deities or human ideologies.

Isaiah 46 9 Context

Isaiah 46 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), specifically chapters 40-48, which serve as a polemic against idolatry and a testament to the LORD's singular sovereignty, delivered to the Israelite exiles in Babylon. In these chapters, God actively reassures His disheartened people of His faithfulness and ability to deliver them. Chapter 46 particularly contrasts the powerless Babylonian idols, Bel and Nebo—which need to be carried by animals and are burdens—with YHWH, who carries His people, has always sustained them, and will continue to do so through the exile and beyond. Verse 9 is a central declaration supporting this contrast. It challenges the prevailing polytheism by grounding God's unique identity not in mythological claims but in historical fact and divine self-attestation, preparing the exiles for His coming "new things," including their return.

Isaiah 46 9 Word analysis

• Remember (זָכְרוּ - zakharu): An imperative verb, commanding not just mental recollection but active engagement, meditation, and a practical application of past knowledge. It implies a calling to mind what God has done, with the intention of drawing spiritual strength and reaffirming faith in the present.
• the former things (רִאשֹׁנוֹת - rishonot): Refers to God's actions and declarations from previous epochs. This encompasses key events in Israel's history—creation, the Exodus, the giving of the Law, the establishment of the covenant, the conquest of Canaan, and all His saving and judging acts. These are the historical evidences of His divine power and faithfulness.
• of old (מֵעוֹלָם - me'olam): Emphasizes the ancient, eternal nature of these "former things." They are not recent or fleeting but deeply rooted in timeless history and God's unchanging character. It highlights the longevity and consistency of God's involvement in creation and human affairs.
• For I am God (כִּי אָנֹכִי אֵל - ki anokhi El): "Ki" (for/because) introduces the reason for remembering. "Anokhi" (I) is an emphatic first-person pronoun, directly linking the declaration to God Himself. "El" (God) is a primary, general Semitic term for deity, suggesting power, strength, and preeminence, but here uniquely identified with YHWH.
• and there is no other (וְאֵין עוֹד - v'ein od): A strong declaration of God's absolute singularity and unique existence. It negates the existence of any other deity beside Him, promoting an exclusive monotheism. "Od" implies "more" or "again," thus "no more/any other" existing besides Him.
• I am God (אָנֹכִי אֱלֹהִים - anokhi Elohim): Repetition of the divine declaration, but using "Elohim," a common Hebrew plural noun for God, often referring to the supreme deity in a universal sense (e.g., Creator). This reiteration strengthens the earlier claim, often denoting the full Godhead.
• and there is none like Me (וְאֵין כָּמוֹנִי - v'ein kamoni): This final phrase affirms God's utter incomparability. It means not only is there no other God, but also no one like Him in power, nature, attributes, or character. His actions and being are utterly unique and unparalleled.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Remember the former things of old": This opening phrase is an appeal to experiential knowledge and divine revelation embedded in history. It calls for drawing upon past acts of God— His grand historical narrative of intervention and deliverance—to inform and anchor their current understanding of Him. It serves as a pedagogical instruction to prevent spiritual amnesia and fortify faith.
• "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me": This powerful couplet forms the core theological assertion. The repetition of "I am God" (using both El and Elohim) serves for emphatic clarity and rhetorical force, unequivocally asserting both God's singular existence and His unique, incomparable nature. It directly refutes polytheism and idolatry by claiming exclusive divine authority and unparalleled supremacy. This self-attestation by YHWH provides the absolute basis for His demand for exclusive worship and trust, contrasting sharply with the impotent, man-made gods of Babylon.

Isaiah 46 9 Bonus section

The "former things" in Isaiah are often understood as events already completed and previously prophesied by God through His prophets. These historical fulfillments serve as proof of His divine power and prophetic accuracy, thereby establishing His claim to unique deity. This then sets the stage for "new things" (Isaiah 42:9, 43:18-19, 48:6-7) that God will do—most notably the return from exile and the coming of the Messiah. By calling for remembrance of the past, God cultivates trust for His future promises. The very structure of Isaiah's argument across chapters 40-48 links His ability to reveal the past, present, and future as evidence of His unparalleled godhead, setting Him apart from any other. This verse implicitly underpins all subsequent prophecies and the entire framework of God's redemptive plan.

Isaiah 46 9 Commentary

Isaiah 46:9 is a cornerstone of biblical monotheism and an anthem to God's unrivaled supremacy, particularly pertinent to the exiles in a polytheistic culture. By commanding them to "remember the former things of old," God points to His verifiable track record of creation, providence, covenant faithfulness, and intervention in history. This historical memory provides the concrete foundation for the abstract theological declarations that follow. The double assertion, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me," leaves no room for doubt about His singularity. The first clause ("no other") claims exclusive existence, dismantling the very possibility of rival deities. The second ("none like Me") elevates His being above all created things and every conceivable power, emphasizing His unparalleled attributes and unmatched capabilities. This isn't merely an ontological statement but a practical comfort and challenge: only this incomparable God can deliver on His promises and save His people, unlike the mute and immobile idols. This profound declaration urges God's people to root their identity and hope exclusively in the One True God, finding solace and certainty amidst confusion and despair. For practical application, remember God's faithfulness in past struggles, reflect on His consistent character shown in Scripture, and compare the temporary solutions offered by the world to the eternal power of the unique Creator.