Bible Strands
Isaiah 41:23
Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet issues a rhetorical challenge to false gods, demanding they prove their divinity by predicting future events. This occurs within a polemic against idolatry that immediately follows with a declaration of their worthlessness in Isaiah 41:24.
The words — הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙ (ha.Gi.du) translates literally to "tell" or "declare," while אֱלֹהִ֖ים ('E.lo.Him) means "gods." The syntax pairs the command to announce future events directly with the claim to divine status.
The thread — This demand for predictive proof contrasts with Jeremiah 10:5, where idols cannot speak or walk, and aligns with Isaiah 42:9, where God alone declares what will spring forth. Jesus applies predictive revelation as a credential for belief in John 13:19.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to test any claimed deity by the ability to foretell events, exposing idolatry as powerless and grounding true faith in God's sovereign declaration of what will happen.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”
- John 13:19 I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.
- Jeremiah 10:5 Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
- 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.
- Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
- Isaiah 45:7 I form the light and create the darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things.
- Isaiah 46:7 They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.
- Isaiah 46:9 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
- Acts 15:18 that have been known for ages.’