Isaiah 41:12

12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

Isaiah 41:12 in Other Translations

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.

12 You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing.

12 When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won't find them - Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.

12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contend with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

12 You will search for your enemies, but you will not find them. Those who are at war with you will be reduced to nothing and no longer exist.

12 You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing.

12 You might search for your enemies. But you will not find them. Those who go to war against you will completely disappear.

Isaiah 41:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 12 Thou shall seek them, and shalt not find them
They not existing, or being fled into holes and corners, to rocks and mountains, to hide themselves from the wrath of the Lamb, ( Revelation 6:15-17 ) : even them that contended with thee;
or, "the men of thy contention" {p}; who contended with them, not by words and arguments, but by severe persecutions, striving thereby to hinder the progress of the Gospel, and to root Christianity out of the world: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of
nought:
or, "the men of thy war" ^F17; that proclaimed and carried on war against the Christians, in order to destroy them utterly; yet they, and all their efforts, came to nothing, the Gospel prevailed, and Paganism was utterly abolished; which came to pass in Constantine's time, at the opening of the sixth seal, ( Revelation 6:12-14 ) which is a proper comment on this text.

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FOOTNOTES:

F16 (Kytum yvna) "viros jurgii tui", Montanus.
F17 (Ktmxlm yvna) "viri belli tui", Vatablus; "pugnae tuae", Montanus.

Isaiah 41:12 In-Context

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.

12 Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.

13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

14 Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 37:35-36; S Isaiah 34:12
• 2. S Job 7:8; Isaiah 17:14; Isaiah 29:20