Isaiah 45:24-25
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The original Hebrew uses the plural for "righteousnesses," highlighting an abundance or completeness of righteousness that one finds solely in God. This isn't just about being "good," but about a comprehensive state of being right with God and possessing His power.
“Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes at the end of a lengthy section where God declares His sovereignty, contrasting Himself with idols and revealing His plan for Cyrus, the Persian king, to restore His people. The verses immediately before this one describe a universal submission to God, where every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance, culminating in the hope of salvation for all nations. This declaration in verse 24 is the ultimate confession that will arise from that universal submission.
In a world that constantly tells us where to find power and worth, this verse points to a singular, unwavering source. It's a declaration that cuts through the noise of competing claims.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of the LORD, makes a profound statement about where true 'righteousness' and 'strength' reside. The Hebrew word for righteousness here is in the plural, suggesting an abundance – not just a little bit, but overflowing measures of right-standing and justice.
This isn't about having a good reputation or being generally moral. It's about a deep, God-given justification that makes us right with Him. Coupled with this is 'strength' – not just physical might, but the power to endure, to overcome, and to live faithfully.
The crucial part of the verse is the emphasis: 'Only in the LORD...' This means that any perceived righteousness or strength found elsewhere—in personal achievement, in idols, in worldly power—is ultimately insufficient and fleeting. True righteousness and true strength are gifts that originate solely from God.
Have you ever felt the sting of opposition, the frustration of going against a powerful current? This verse speaks to the ultimate fate of those who stand against God.
The latter part of Isaiah 45:24 delivers a stark consequence for those who are 'incensed against' God. The word 'incensed' speaks of intense anger, rebellion, and active opposition. This isn't about minor disagreements but a fundamental defiance of God's authority and purposes.
The outcome for such opposition is 'shame.' This isn't just a fleeting embarrassment; it's a deep, profound sense of exposure and disgrace. When God's ultimate power and sovereignty are revealed, those who fought against Him will be laid bare, their rebellion exposed as foolish and their efforts ultimately futile.
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This stands in direct contrast to those who find righteousness and strength in the LORD. While the opposers will be shamed, those who turn to God will find their true identity and power in Him, facing no shame.
Understand the original words
ṣĕdāqâ · Hebrew Noun
The state of having moral integrity and being right in the sight of God. In the Old Testament, it is often tied to acting in accordance with God's covenant and law.
ʿōz · Hebrew Noun
The ability to endure, persist, or prevail. Biblically, God is the ultimate source of power and capability for His people to stand against evil and accomplish His will.
bûš · Hebrew Verb
A state of feeling dishonor, confusion, or disappointment, often in the context of being confronted by God's holiness or the failure of one's own idols.
ṣādaq · Hebrew Verb
To be made right or declared righteous before God. It implies an acquittal or a standing of legal righteousness granted by God to the believer.
hālal · Hebrew Verb
To boast or express deep satisfaction, honor, or joy in God's character and works. It is the appropriate response of the believer who recognizes that their status comes from God alone.
This verse is spoken in the context of Cyrus the Great's rise to power and his decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. It looks forward to a time when all nations will acknowledge Yahweh as the sole source of righteousness and strength, a concept that found initial fulfillment in the restoration of the Temple and continues to resonate as a prophecy of the Messiah.
c. 550 BC
Cyrus the Great Rises to Power
Cyrus, a Persian prince, begins his conquests, eventually overthrowing the Median and Lydian empires. This marks the rise of the Achaemenid Empire.
539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus conquers Babylon, a pivotal moment that leads to the end of the Babylonian captivity for the Jewish people.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, fulfilling prophecies spoken by Isaiah.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Jewish exiles, with ongoing support and challenges, complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant restoration for their community.
This passage names the Messiah as 'The LORD our Righteousness,' directly echoing Isaiah's declaration that 'in the LORD... are righteousness and strength.'
Philippians 3:9Paul expresses a similar sentiment to Isaiah 45:24, stating that true righteousness comes not from self but 'through faith in Christ Jesus, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.'
1 Corinthians 1:30This verse, like Isaiah 45:24, points to Christ as the source of both righteousness and strength, stating that 'Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.'
Isaiah 45:22This verse immediately precedes Isaiah 45:24 and forms a parallel call to 'Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.' This shows that the confession of righteousness and strength in the LORD is the outcome of looking to Him for salvation.
Romans 11:25-26This passage speaks of a future time when 'all Israel will be saved,' connecting to the idea in Isaiah 45:24 that those who were incensed against God will ultimately be brought to shame, while salvation is secured in the LORD.
pulpitIsaiah 45:24: "Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed."
Verse 24. - Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness; rather, only in the Lord, shall each man say to me. is their righteousness. All shall confess that God alone is righteous, and that any goodness which they have is derived from him. The Hebrew has "righteousnesses" in the plural, to express abundance. All that…
pooleIsaiah 45:24: "Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed."
Shall one say; or, shall he say ; each or every one of those whom he now said that they should bow their knees to God, and swear by him, Isaiah 45:23 . Or, it shall be said; such active verbs being oft used impersonally. In the Lord; by or from God alone, or the Messiah, who is the true Jehovah as well as man. Have I righteousn…
The original Hebrew uses the plural for "righteousnesses," highlighting an abundance or completeness of righteousness that one finds solely in God. This isn't just about being "good," but about a comprehensive state of being right with God and possessing His power.
This passage comes at the end of a lengthy section where God declares His sovereignty, contrasting Himself with idols and revealing His plan for Cyrus, the Persian king, to restore His people. The verses immediately before this one describe a universal submission to God, where every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance, culminating in the hope of salvation for all nations. This declaration in verse 24 is the ultimate confession that will arise from that universal submission.
This passage comes at the end of a lengthy section where God declares His sovereignty, contrasting Himself with idols and revealing His plan for Cyrus, the Persian king, to restore His people. The verses immediately before this one describe a universal submission to God, where every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance, culminating in the hope of salvation for all nations. This declaration in verse 24 is the ultimate confession that will arise from that universal submission.
"“Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall…" — The original Hebrew uses the plural for "righteousnesses," highlighting an abundance or completeness of righteousness that one finds solely in God. This isn't just about being "good," but about a com…
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Last reviewed October 2026
