Isaiah 45:23

45:23 I solemnly make this oath ¹  –

what I say is true and reliable: ² 

‘Surely every knee will bow to me,

every tongue will solemnly affirm; ³ 

Isaiah 55:11

55:11 In the same way, the promise that I make

does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. ⁴ 

No, it is realized as I desire

and is fulfilled as I intend.” ⁵ 

[45:23]  ¹ tn Heb “I swear by myself”; KJV, NASB “have sworn.”

[45:23]  ² tn Heb “a word goes out from my mouth [in] truth and will not return.”

[45:23]  ³ tn Heb “swear” (so KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV); NLT “confess allegiance.”

[55:11]  ⁴ tn Heb “so is the word which goes out from my mouth, it does not return to empty.” “Word” refers here to divine promises, like the ones made just prior to and after this (see vv. 7b, 12-13).

[55:11]  ⁵ tn Heb “but it accomplishes what I desire, and succeeds [on the mission] which I send it.”