Isaiah 45

The original text was written in Hebrew language. Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew belong to the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Codex Cairensis (895), the Petersburg Codex of the Prophets (916), Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).[1]

Fragments containing parts of this chapter were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (3rd century BC or later):

• 1QIsa^a: complete
• 1QIsa^b: extant: verses 1‑13
• 4QIsa^b (4Q56): extant: verses 20‑25
• 4QIsa^c (4Q57): extant: verses 1‑4, 6‑13

There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; ${\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}$^B; 4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (S; BHK: ${\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}$^S; 4th century), Codex Alexandrinus (A; ${\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}$^A; 5th century) and Codex Marchalianus (Q; ${\displaystyle {\mathfrak {G}}}$^Q; 6th century).[2]

This chapter is divided into 25 verses.

The parashah sections listed here are based on the Aleppo Codex.[3] Isaiah 45 is a part of the Consolations (Isaiah 40–66). {P}: open parashah; {S}: closed parashah.

{P} 45:1-7 {P} 45:8 {S} 45:9 {S} 45:10 {S} 45:11-13 {S} 45:14-17 {P} 45:18-25 [46:1-2 {P}]

Thus saith the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and to loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and that the gates may not be shut:

— Isaiah 45:1

The Septuagint refers to Cyrus the Great as "my anointed".[4]

For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.

— Isaiah 45:4: New International Version

Some older translations state "I have surnamed you".[5]

I have roused him up in victory, and I make level all his ways; he shall build My city, and he shall let Mine exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

— Isaiah 45:13

Thus saith the LORD: The labour of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine; they shall go after thee, in chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee: Surely God is in thee, and there is none else, there is no other God.

— Isaiah 45:14

The Egyptian, Ethiopian and Sabaean peoples "are apparently represented here as already conquered by Cyrus". The text may be interpreted as foretelling "spontaneous homage rendered to Israel by distant nations of the earth", or in terms of a prospective conquest; for Skinner in the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges "the whole scene strongly suggests a submission that has been preceded by humiliation and defeat. The meaning probably is that the treasures of the nations are made over to Israel by Cyrus".[6]

In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

— Isaiah 45:25

• Related Bible parts: Isaiah 44

• Würthwein, Ernst (1995). The Text of the Old Testament. Translated by Rhodes, Erroll F. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans. ISBN 0-8028-0788-7. Retrieved January 26, 2019.