Isaiah 41:21-24
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Futility of Idols
21 Set forth your case, says the Lord;
bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.(A)
22 Let them bring them and tell us
what is to happen.
Tell us the former things, what they were,
so that we may consider them
and that we may know their outcome
or declare to us the things to come.(B)
23 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.(C)
24 You, indeed, are nothing,
and your work is nothing at all;
whoever chooses you is an abomination.(D)
Isaiah 41:21-24
International Standard Version
Can God’s Enemies Predict the Future?
21 “Put forward your case!” says the Lord.
“Submit your arguments!” says Jacob’s King.
22 Let them approach and ask us,
‘What will happen?
As to the former things, what were they?
Tell us, so that we may consider them and know.
Or[a] the latter things or the things to come—
let us hear.
23 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[b] and gaze at it together.’”
24 “Look! You and your work are less than nothing;[c]
whoever finds you pleasing is disgusting.”
Footnotes
- Isaiah 41:22 So 1QIsaa; MT reads them. And we may know
- Isaiah 41:23 So 1QIsaa; MT reads stare at one another; cf. LXX
- Isaiah 41:24 So 1QIsaa; MT reads you are nothing, and your work means nothing
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