Old Testament
Isaiah 47:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 47:13, the prophet addresses the people who have relied heavily on astrologers and fortune-tellers for guidance.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
You've exhausted yourself chasing advice from every direction. Let your astrologers step forward now — your stargazers, your fortune-tellers who predict the future month by month. Let them stand up and save you from what's about to happen.
Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 47:13, the prophet addresses the people who have relied heavily on astrologers and fortune-tellers for guidance. The verse highlights their exhaustion from seeking advice from various sources, emphasizing the futility of such pursuits. The challenge is posed to these so-called experts: if they are truly capable, let them come forward and save the people from impending disaster. This reflects a broader theme of misplaced trust in human wisdom and the inability of false prophets to provide real solutions. The passage serves as a reminder that reliance on spiritual or supernatural guidance outside of God is ultimately fruitless, especially in times of crisis. It calls for a return to faith in God rather than in the unreliable predictions of astrologers and other diviners, who cannot avert the consequences of one's actions or the judgment that is to come.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 47:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate where we seek guidance in our lives. Instead of turning to unreliable sources or worldly wisdom, we should seek God's direction through prayer and scripture. Trusting in God provides true wisdom and peace, especially in challenging times.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 47:13 mean?
Isaiah 47:13 addresses the futility of seeking guidance from astrologers and fortune-tellers. It highlights the exhaustion of relying on such sources for advice, challenging them to save the people from impending disaster, which emphasizes the need for true reliance on God.
What is the meaning of astrologers in Isaiah 47:13?
In Isaiah 47:13, 'astrologers' refers to those who claim to predict the future based on the positions of stars and celestial bodies. The verse critiques their inability to provide real help or guidance in times of crisis.
How does Isaiah 47:13 relate to trusting God?
Isaiah 47:13 contrasts the unreliable predictions of astrologers with the need for faith in God. It encourages individuals to seek God's wisdom rather than turning to worldly sources that cannot avert disaster.
What themes are present in Isaiah 47:13?
Key themes in Isaiah 47:13 include the futility of false guidance, the reliance on astrology, the consequences of one's actions, and the importance of trusting in God over human wisdom.
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