Isaiah 45:1

45:1 This is what the Lord says to his chosen one,

to Cyrus, whose right hand I hold

in order to subdue nations before him,

and disarm kings,

to open doors before him,

so gates remain unclosed:

Isaiah 45:5

45:5 I am the Lord, I have no peer,

there is no God but me.

I arm you for battle, even though you do not recognize me.


tn Heb “anointed” (so KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NCV “his appointed king.”

sn The “right hand” is a symbol of activity and strength; the Lord directs Cyrus’ activities and assures his success.

tn Heb “and the belts of kings I will loosen”; NRSV “strip kings of their robes”; NIV “strip kings of their armor.”

tn Heb “and there is none besides.” On the use of עוֹד (’od) here, see BDB 729 s.v. 1.c.

tn Heb “gird you” (so NASB) or “strengthen you” (so NIV).

tn Or “know” (NAB, NCV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, NLT); NIV “have not acknowledged.”