Isaiah 45:13
New International Version
I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the LORD Almighty.”

New Living Translation
I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people— without seeking a reward! I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

English Standard Version
I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward,” says the LORD of hosts.

Berean Standard Bible
I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

King James Bible
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

New King James Version
I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward,” Says the LORD of hosts.

New American Standard Bible
“I have stirred him in righteousness, And I will make all his ways smooth. He will build My city and let My exiles go free, Without any payment or reward,” says the LORD of armies.

NASB 1995
“I have aroused him in righteousness And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go free, Without any payment or reward,” says the LORD of hosts.

NASB 1977
“I have aroused him in righteousness, And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city, and will let My exiles go free, Without any payment or reward,” says the LORD of hosts.

Legacy Standard Bible
I have awakened him in righteousness, And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and will let My exiles go, Without any payment or reward,” says Yahweh of hosts.

Amplified Bible
“I have stirred up Cyrus and put him into action in righteousness [to accomplish My purpose] And I will make all his ways smooth; He will build My city and let My exiles go, Without any payment or reward,” says the LORD of hosts.

Christian Standard Bible
I have stirred him up in righteousness, and will level all roads for him. He will rebuild my city, and set my exiles free, not for a price or a bribe,” says the LORD of Armies.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have raised him up in righteousness, and will level all roads for him. He will rebuild My city, and set My exiles free, not for a price or a bribe,” says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Contemporary English Version
I have done the right thing by placing Cyrus in power, and I will make the roads easy for him to follow. I am the LORD All-Powerful! Cyrus will rebuild my city and set my people free without being paid a thing. I, the LORD, have spoken.

English Revised Version
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I prepared Cyrus for my righteous purpose. I will make all his roads straight. He will build my city and let my exiles go free without any payment or any reward, says the LORD of Armies.

Good News Translation
I myself have stirred Cyrus to action to fulfill my purpose and put things right. I will straighten out every road that he travels. He will rebuild my city, Jerusalem, and set my captive people free. No one has hired him or bribed him to do this." The LORD Almighty has spoken.

International Standard Version
"I have aroused him in righteousness, and I'll make all his pathways smooth. It is he who will rebuild my city and set my exiles free, but not for a price nor reward, " says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.

Majority Standard Bible
I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

NET Bible
It is me--I stir him up and commission him; I will make all his ways level. He will rebuild my city; he will send my exiled people home, but not for a price or a bribe," says the LORD who commands armies.

New Heart English Bible
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make straight all his ways. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward," says the LORD of hosts.

Webster's Bible Translation
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

World English Bible
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He shall build my city, and he shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says Yahweh of Armies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have stirred him up in righteousness, "" And I make all his ways straight, "" He builds My city, and sends out My captivity, "" Not for price, nor for bribe,” said YHWH of Hosts.

Young's Literal Translation
I have stirred him up in righteousness, And all his ways I make straight, He doth build My city, and My captivity doth send out, Not for price, nor for bribe, said Jehovah of Hosts.

Smith's Literal Translation
I mused him up in justice, and I will make straight all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall send away my captivity, not by price and not by a gift, said Jehovah of armies.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I have raised him up to justice, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and let go my captives, not for ransom, nor for presents, saith the Lord the God of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have raised him up unto justice, and I will direct all his ways. He himself will build my city and release my captives, but not for ransom or gifts, says the Lord, the God of hosts.

New American Bible
It was I who stirred him up for justice; all his ways I make level. He shall rebuild my city and let my exiles go free Without price or payment, says the LORD of hosts.

New Revised Standard Version
I have aroused Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his paths straight; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward, says the LORD of hosts.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I have stirred man up in righteousness, and I will make smooth all his ways; he shall build my city and shall send my exiles back, not for a price nor for a bribe, says the LORD of hosts.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have awakened him in righteousness, and all his ways I shall smooth. He shall build up my city and he shall send out my captivity, not with a price and not by a bribe, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I have raised him up to be a king with righteousness, and all his ways are right: he shall build my city, and shall turn the captivity of my people, not for ransoms, nor for rewards, saith the Lord of hosts.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God Calls Cyrus
12It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host. 13I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.” 14This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’ ”…

Cross References
Ezra 1:1-4
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. ...

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Daniel 6:25-28
Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. / I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. / He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” ...

Isaiah 44:28
who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”

Jeremiah 25:12
But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation.

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

Jeremiah 50:34
Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will fervently plead their case so that He may bring rest to the earth, but turmoil to those who live in Babylon.

Jeremiah 51:11
Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple.

Jeremiah 51:28
Prepare the nations for battle against her—the kings of the Medes, their governors and all their officials, and all the lands they rule.

Isaiah 41:2-4
Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. / He pursues them, going on safely, hardly touching the path with his feet. / Who has performed this and carried it out, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the LORD—the first and the last—I am He.”

Isaiah 46:11
I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.

Isaiah 48:14-15
Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His desire against Babylon, and His arm will be against the Chaldeans. / I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I have brought him, and he will succeed in his mission.

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Acts 17:26
From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

Acts 13:22-23
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ / From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.


Treasury of Scripture

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, said the LORD of hosts.

raised him

Isaiah 45:1-6
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; …

Isaiah 41:2,25
Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow…

Isaiah 46:11
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

in righteousness

Isaiah 42:6
I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Psalm 65:5
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

direct.

Isaiah 45:1,2
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; …

he shall build

Isaiah 44:28
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 52:5
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.

2 Chronicles 36:22,23
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, …

let go

Isaiah 49:25
But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isaiah 52:2,3
Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion…

Romans 3:24-26
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: …

price

Isaiah 13:17
Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.

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Almighty Armies Build Building Captives Captivity City Cyrus Direct Exiles Free Hosts Level Nations Overcome Price Prisoners Raise Raised Rebuild Reward Righteousness Roused Smooth Stirred Straight Victory Ways Work
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Almighty Armies Build Building Captives Captivity City Cyrus Direct Exiles Free Hosts Level Nations Overcome Price Prisoners Raise Raised Rebuild Reward Righteousness Roused Smooth Stirred Straight Victory Ways Work
Isaiah 45
1. God calls Cyrus for his church's sake
5. By his omnipotence he challenges obedience
20. He convinces the idols of vanity by his saving power














I have raised up Cyrus
The phrase "I have raised up Cyrus" indicates God's sovereign choice and action in appointing Cyrus, the Persian king, as an instrument for His divine purposes. The Hebrew root for "raised up" is "עוּר" (ʿûr), which conveys the idea of stirring or awakening. This suggests that God actively intervenes in history, awakening individuals to fulfill His plans. Historically, Cyrus is a significant figure, known for his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This highlights God's control over nations and leaders, using even those who do not know Him to accomplish His will.

in righteousness
The term "in righteousness" underscores the moral and ethical dimension of God's actions. The Hebrew word "צֶדֶק" (ṣedeq) refers to justice, rightness, and faithfulness. God's raising of Cyrus is not arbitrary but is aligned with His righteous character and purposes. This assures believers that God's plans are always just and aimed at the ultimate good, even when they involve unexpected agents like a pagan king.

and I will make all his ways straight
The promise "I will make all his ways straight" signifies God's providential guidance and support for Cyrus's endeavors. The Hebrew word "יָשַׁר" (yāšar) means to make straight or level, indicating that God will remove obstacles and ensure success. This reflects the biblical theme that God directs the paths of those He chooses, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled without hindrance.

He will rebuild My city
"He will rebuild My city" refers to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The phrase emphasizes God's ownership and concern for Jerusalem, often called the "City of God." This rebuilding is not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal, symbolizing hope and redemption for God's people. It fulfills prophecies and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

and set My exiles free
The phrase "and set My exiles free" highlights the liberation of the Jewish captives in Babylon. The Hebrew root "שָׁלַח" (šālaḥ) means to send away or release, indicating a return to freedom and restoration. This act of deliverance is a powerful testament to God's mercy and His commitment to redeem and restore His people, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance through Christ.

not for payment or reward
"Not for payment or reward" emphasizes that Cyrus's actions are not motivated by financial gain or personal benefit. The Hebrew words "בְּלִי" (bĕlî) and "שָׂכָר" (śāḵār) indicate the absence of compensation or wages. This underscores the divine initiative and grace in God's plans, as Cyrus acts according to God's will, not for earthly incentives. It serves as a reminder that God's purposes transcend human motivations and are accomplished by His power alone.

says the LORD of Hosts
The concluding phrase "says the LORD of Hosts" affirms the authority and power behind the prophecy. "LORD of Hosts" (יהוה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Ṣĕbāʾôt) is a title that portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His supreme authority and ability to execute His will. This assures believers of the certainty and reliability of God's promises, as they are backed by His omnipotent power.

(13) I have raised him up in righteousness . . .--This was the answer to the murmurers. It would be seen by the results, the city rebuilt, the exiles restored to their home, that the conquests of Cyrus had been ordered by the loving righteousness of Jehovah; and he would do this, not through the greed and ambition of other conquerors, but because the spirit of the Lord stirred him (2Chronicles 36:22).

Verse 13. - I have raised him up. "Him" can only be referred to Cyrus, the one individual mentioned previously in the chapter (vers. 1-5). The expression," raised up," had been already used of him (Isaiah 41:25). In righteousness means "to carry out my righteous purposes." I will direct; rather, as in the margin, make straight. He... shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward. Captives were often "redeemed for a price" (Nehemiah 6:8). In Greece a fixed sum was established by general consent as the ransom of a captive (Aristot., 'Eth. Nic.,' 5:6). Cyrus, however, in letting the Jews go free, would not be actuated by the paltry motive of pecuniary profit. He may, as Mr. Cheyne remarks, have been actuated in part "by a consideration of the usefulness of such a faithful advanced guard at the border of Egypt;" but mainly it is probable that "he obeyed the dictates of religious sympathy with the Jews." The recent contention, that he was not a Zoroastrian (Sayce, Academy, October 16, 1880; 'Ancient Empires,' p. 439; Cheyne, 'Isaiah,' vol. 2. p. 279) rests upon insufficient evidence, his so-called inscription being a document not put forth by himself, but by the priests of Merodach at Babylon; and the first introduction of Zoroastrian monotheism into the state religion of Persia by Darius Hystaspis (Sayce, 'Ancient Empires,' p. 440) being expressly disclaimed by him in the Be-histun inscription, where he declares his reformation to have consisted in the rebuilding of the temples which Gomates the Magian had destroyed, and the reinstitutier for the state of the religious chants and the worship which he had put down (col 1. par. 14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I
אָנֹכִי֙ (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

will raise up [Cyrus]
הַעִירֹתִ֣הֽוּ (ha·‘î·rō·ṯi·hū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

in righteousness,
בְצֶ֔דֶק (ḇə·ṣe·ḏeq)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

and I will make
אֲיַשֵּׁ֑ר (’ă·yaš·šêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3474: To be straight, even, to be, right, pleasant, prosperous

all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his ways [straight].
דְּרָכָ֖יו (də·rā·ḵāw)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

He
הֽוּא־ (hū-)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

will rebuild
יִבְנֶ֤ה (yiḇ·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

My city
עִירִי֙ (‘î·rî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and set My exiles
וְגָלוּתִ֣י (wə·ḡā·lū·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1546: Captivity, exiles

free,
יְשַׁלֵּ֔חַ (yə·šal·lê·aḥ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

but not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

for payment
בִמְחִיר֙ (ḇim·ḥîr)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4242: Price, payment, wages

[or]
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

reward,”
בְשֹׁ֔חַד (ḇə·šō·ḥaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7810: A present, bribe

says
אָמַ֖ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts.
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 45:12
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