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Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/41.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/41.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/41.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/41.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye <i>are</i> gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold <i>it</i> together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/41.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Show the things that are to come hereafter, That we may know that you <i>are</i> gods; Yes, do good or do evil, That we may be dismayed and see <i>it</i> together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/41.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Declare the things that are going to come afterward, So that we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may be afraid and fear together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/41.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/41.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/41.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Declare the things that are to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/41.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Tell us the things that are to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, you should do <i>something</i> good or do evil, that we may be afraid and fear [you] together [as we observe the miracle].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/41.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do something good or bad, then we will be in awe when we see it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/41.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Tell us the coming events, then we will know that you are gods. Indeed, do something good or bad, then we will be in awe and perceive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/41.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Declare 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/41.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Prove that you are gods by making your predictions come true. Do something good or evil, so we can be amazed and terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/41.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Declare 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/41.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Tell us what's going to happen so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something, good or evil, to intimidate us and make us afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/41.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Tell us what the future holds--then we will know that you are gods! Do something good or bring some disaster; fill us with fear and awe! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/41.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods! Yes, do something good or something bad, so we may hear and gaze at it together.'"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/41.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/41.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Predict how future events will turn out, so we might know you are gods. Yes, do something good or bad, so we might be frightened and in awe. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/41.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/41.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/41.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/41.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Declare the things that are coming hereafter, "" And we know that you [are] gods, "" Indeed, you may do good or do evil, "" And we look around and see [it] together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/41.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Declare the things that are coming hereafter, And we know that ye are gods, Yea, ye may do good or do evil, And we look around and see it together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/41.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Announce the things coming hereafter, and we shall know that ye are God: also will ye do good or will ye do evil, and we shall look around for help and see together.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/41.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Shew the things that are to come hereafter, and we shall know that ye are gods. Do ye also good or evil, if you can: and let us speak, and see together. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/41.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Announce the things that will occur in the future, and we will know that you are gods. Likewise, accomplish good or evil, if you are able, and let us speak of it and see it together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/41.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />tell what is to be in the future, that we may know that you are gods! Do something, good or evil, that will put us in awe and in fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/41.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be afraid and terrified.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/41.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Show us the wonders that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may relate it and behold it together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/41.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Show us the signs that are going to occur and we shall know that you are gods. Also do good and do evil, and we will be informed and we will see together<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/41.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Declare 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/41.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />tell us, declare ye to us the things that are coming on at the last <i>time</i>, and we shall know that ye are gods: do good, and do evil, and we shall wonder, and see at the same time<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/41-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=9008" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/41.htm">Meaningless Idols</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gî·ḏū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">Tell us</a> <a href="/hebrew/857.htm" title="857: hā·’ō·ṯî·yō·wṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To come. Or matha; a primitive root; to arrive.">the things</a> <a href="/hebrew/268.htm" title="268: lə·’ā·ḥō·wr (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- The hind side, back part. Or achor; from Achiyra'; the hinder part; hence behind, backward; also the West.">that are to come,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·nê·ḏə·‘āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">so that we may know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">are gods.</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: ’ap̄- (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">Yes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3190.htm" title="3190: tê·ṭî·ḇū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To be good, well, glad, or pleasing. A primitive root; to be make well, literally or figuratively.">do something good</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: wə·ṯā·rê·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">or evil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8159.htm" title="8159: wə·niš·tā·‘āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- A primitive root; to gaze at or about; by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed or bewildered.">that we may look on together in dismay.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wə·ni·rå̄ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.h-1cp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: yaḥ·dāw (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly."></a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-21.htm">Deuteronomy 18:21-22</a></span><br />You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-7.htm">Isaiah 44:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9-10</a></span><br />Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. / I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/28-9.htm">Jeremiah 28:9</a></span><br />As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only if the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-27.htm">Daniel 2:27-28</a></span><br />Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/18-24.htm">1 Kings 18:24</a></span><br />Then you may call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The God who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered, “What you say is good.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-9.htm">Isaiah 43:9</a></span><br />All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and proclaim to us the former things? Let them present their witnesses to vindicate them, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/48-3.htm">Isaiah 48:3-5</a></span><br />I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. / For I knew that you are stubborn; your neck is iron and your forehead is bronze. / Therefore I declared it to you long ago; I announced it before it came to pass, so that you could not claim, ‘My idol has done this; my carved image and molten god has ordained it.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Jeremiah 10:5</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-3.htm">Psalm 115:3-8</a></span><br />Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. / Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/135-15.htm">Psalm 135:15-18</a></span><br />The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. / They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see; / they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Acts 17:23-31</a></span><br />For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you. / The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-25.htm">Matthew 24:25</a></span><br />See, I have told you in advance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-19.htm">John 13:19</a></span><br />I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it comes to pass, you will believe that I am He.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-29.htm">John 14:29</a></span><br />And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods: yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.</p><p class="hdg">that we may know</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-9.htm">Isaiah 42:9</a></b></br> Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-7.htm">Isaiah 44:7,8</a></b></br> And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/45-8.htm">Isaiah 45:8</a></b></br> Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.</p><p class="hdg">do good</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm">Isaiah 45:7</a></b></br> I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these <i>things</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Isaiah 46:7</a></b></br> They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, <i>one</i> shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Jeremiah 10:5</a></b></br> They <i>are</i> upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also <i>is it</i> in them to do good.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/1-26.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Anxiously</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-9.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-7.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-14.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Future</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-19.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-3.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/joshua/22-24.htm">Hereafter</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-11.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-23.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Look</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm">Show</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Something</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-20.htm">Together</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-21.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/16-16.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/micah/1-12.htm">Anxiously</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-29.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-9.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/isaiah/51-7.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-24.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-1.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-7.htm">Future</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-27.htm">Good</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-12.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-23.htm">Hereafter</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/isaiah/64-9.htm">Look</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-13.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-9.htm">Show</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-19.htm">Something</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Surprised</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-11.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-25.htm">Together</a> <a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-26.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 41</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/41-1.htm">God expostulates with his people, about his mercies to the church.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">About his promises</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">And about the vanity of idols.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/41.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/41.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Tell us the things that are to come</b><br>This phrase challenges the idols and false gods to predict the future, a task only the true God can accomplish. In biblical context, prophecy is a hallmark of divine authority, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/18-21.htm">Deuteronomy 18:21-22</a>, where the ability to foretell future events is a test of a true prophet. The challenge underscores the impotence of idols, contrasting them with the omniscience of God, who declares the end from the beginning (<a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a>).<p><b>so that we may know that you are gods</b><br>Here, the demand for predictive power is linked to the recognition of divinity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often associated with control over fate and history. This phrase highlights the futility of idol worship, as these man-made objects cannot demonstrate any divine attributes. The true God, in contrast, reveals His nature through fulfilled prophecy, as seen in the messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>).<p><b>Yes, do something good or evil</b><br>This phrase further challenges the idols to perform any act, whether beneficial or harmful, to prove their power. The cultural context of the time involved various deities who were believed to influence events, yet the God of Israel alone is shown to have true power over creation and history. This echoes Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal in <a href="/1_kings/18-24.htm">1 Kings 18:24</a>, where the inability of Baal to act demonstrated his nonexistence.<p><b>that we may look on together in dismay</b><br>The expected result of the idols' failure to act is collective dismay, highlighting the absurdity of idol worship. This communal aspect emphasizes the public nature of God's vindication over false gods. Historically, Israel's repeated turn to idolatry led to national dismay and judgment, as seen in the Babylonian exile. The phrase also points to the ultimate dismay of those who reject God, as depicted in <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Revelation 6:15-17</a>, where the unrepentant face divine judgment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The one true God of Israel, who is challenging the false gods and idols in this passage to prove their divinity by predicting the future.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_gods/idols.htm">False gods/idols</a></b><br>The entities being challenged in this verse. They represent the pagan deities worshiped by surrounding nations and some Israelites, which are powerless compared to the God of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah primarily prophesied. The people of Judah were often tempted to worship idols, which Isaiah frequently addressed.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a></b><br>The act of predicting future events, which is a key theme in this verse as God challenges the idols to demonstrate their power through prophecy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_uniqueness_of_god.htm">The Uniqueness of God</a></b><br>God alone knows the future and can declare it. This sets Him apart from all false gods and idols, emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idols are powerless and cannot affect the world. Trusting in them leads to disappointment and spiritual emptiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_discernment.htm">The Call to Discernment</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to discern truth from falsehood by examining the source of prophetic claims. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed word and comes to pass.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_history.htm">God's Sovereignty in History</a></b><br>God's ability to declare the future demonstrates His control over history. Believers can trust in His plans and purposes, even when circumstances seem uncertain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Our faith should be placed in the living God who acts in history, not in lifeless idols or human constructs. This faith should lead to a life of obedience and trust.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_41.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 41</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_41_2-3_align_with_history.htm">Isaiah 41:2-3: How can the text's claim of a conqueror from the east align with historical records that challenge or contradict specific military campaigns?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_god's_deeds_with_israel's_woes.htm">Isaiah 12:5: How do we reconcile the emphasis on 'excellent things' done by God with the historical records of suffering and defeat experienced by the Israelites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_evidence_of_god's_vineyard.htm">If Isaiah 27:2-3 depicts God personally tending a vineyard, why is there no archeological evidence or historical record of such a divine vineyard?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_holiness,_sanctification.htm">How can I find hope in times of despair?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/41.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Do good, or do evil.</span>--The challenge reminds us of Elijah's on Mount Carmel (<a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm" title="And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleeps, and must be awaked.">1Kings 18:27</a>). Can the heathen point to any good or evil fortune which, as having been predicted by this or that deity, might reasonably be thought of as his work? It lies in the nature of the case that every heathen looked to his gods as having sent blessings, or the reverse, but it was only Jehovah who could give the proof supplied by prediction.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/41.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Yea, do good, or do evil</span>. Here the proof required of the idol-gods is changed. If they cannot prophesy, can they effect anything? Can they do either good or harm? Let them show this. It is a plain "abatement" from the first demand, and therefore properly introduced by "yea" (<span class="accented">aph</span>); comp. <a href="/1_kings/8-27.htm">1 Kings 8:27</a>. <span class="cmt_word">That we may be dismayed</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> rather, perhaps, <span class="accented">that we may look to it</span>, or <span class="accented">examine</span> it; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> see if yon have really shown a power of doing anything. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/41-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Tell us</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּ֙ידוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gî·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the things</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹתִיּ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·ṯî·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_857.htm">Strong's 857: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that are to come,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָח֔וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·ḥō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_268.htm">Strong's 268: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hinder part, behind, backward, the West</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that we may know</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנֵ֣דְעָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nê·ḏə·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are gods.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Yes,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַף־</span> <span class="translit">(’ap̄-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> </span><span class="str2">Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do something good</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּיטִ֣יבוּ</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ṭî·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3190.htm">Strong's 3190: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be good, well, glad, or pleasing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or evil,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְתָרֵ֔עוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯā·rê·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that we may look on together in dismay.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִשְׁתָּ֖עָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niš·tā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8159.htm">Strong's 8159: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gaze at, about, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed, bewildered</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/41-23.htm">Isaiah 41:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/41-23.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 41:23 Declare the things that are to come (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/41-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 41:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 41:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 41:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 41:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>