Old Testament
Isaiah 40:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Don't you know this? Haven't you heard? Hasn't this been explained to you from the very beginning? Haven't you understood it since the earth was made?
Compare translations
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
What Isaiah 40:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 40:21, the prophet is emphasizing the importance of understanding God's sovereignty and power over creation. He poses a series of rhetorical questions to challenge the listeners' awareness of God's greatness. The verse suggests that the knowledge of God's existence and His role as Creator has been evident since the beginning of time. It implies that people should recognize the signs of God's handiwork in the world around them. The questions serve to remind the audience that they should not be ignorant of these truths, as they have been communicated throughout history. This passage encourages believers to reflect on the foundational truths of their faith and to acknowledge the majesty of God in the context of the universe He created. It calls for a deeper understanding of God's nature and His eternal presence, urging individuals to recognize their place in His grand design.
How to apply Isaiah 40:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively seek knowledge about God and His creation. We should not take for granted the truths that have been revealed to us. By studying scripture and observing the world, we can deepen our understanding of God's nature and His plans for us, fostering a stronger faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 40:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 40:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 40:21 mean?
Isaiah 40:21 emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and power as the Creator. The verse uses rhetorical questions to challenge listeners to acknowledge the evident truths about God that have been known since the beginning of time.
What is the significance of rhetorical questions in Isaiah 40:21?
The rhetorical questions in Isaiah 40:21 serve to provoke thought and reflection among the listeners. They highlight the expectation that people should already understand God's greatness and the foundational truths about His creation.
How does Isaiah 40:21 relate to God's creation?
Isaiah 40:21 relates to God's creation by reminding us that His existence and power have been clear since the earth was made. It encourages believers to recognize the signs of God's handiwork in the world around them.
What themes are present in Isaiah 40:21?
Key themes in Isaiah 40:21 include God's sovereignty, the significance of creation, and the call for awareness of God's presence. The verse also highlights the importance of understanding foundational truths about God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.