Isaiah 41 28

Isaiah 41:28 kjv

For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Isaiah 41:28 nkjv

For I looked, and there was no man; I looked among them, but there was no counselor, Who, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Isaiah 41:28 niv

I look but there is no one? no one among the gods to give counsel, no one to give answer when I ask them.

Isaiah 41:28 esv

But when I look, there is no one; among these there is no counselor who, when I ask, gives an answer.

Isaiah 41:28 nlt

Not one of your idols told you this.
Not one gave any answer when I asked.

Isaiah 41 verses

Isaiah 41 28 Meaning

The verse states that God looks upon the "counselors" (or advisors) and finds none. He then bestows a sense of purpose and empowerment, as if bestowing "terror" upon them, giving victory and assurance.

Isaiah 41 28 Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Isaiah chapters 40-41, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort." God is addressing Israel, His chosen people, who were in exile and likely feeling discouraged and questioning His power and faithfulness. The immediate context involves God confronting the futility of idols and the false gods worshipped by surrounding nations, presenting Himself as the one true and powerful God. This chapter particularly highlights God's summoning of nations and His assertion of divine sovereignty and power against pagan deities. Israel is encouraged to be strong, knowing that their God is uniquely capable of delivering them.

Isaiah 41 28 Word Analysis

• וְאֶת־ (v'et) - And; Conjunction indicating continuation or connection.
• הַיּוֹעֲצִים (hayyo‘ăṣîm) - The counselors/advisors; Hebrew plural noun. Refers to wise men, deliberators, or perhaps the perceived wisdom of the nations or their rulers. The definite article "ha-" signifies "the."
• וְאֶת־ (v'et) - And; Again, connecting to the next noun phrase.
• קֹוֹלְלִים (qōllelim) - Those who speak the voice (or perhaps "shouters" or "speakers of counsel"); This term is less common. It can relate to speaking or calling out, possibly implying those who profess wisdom or issue pronouncements. Some interpretations connect it to those who bless or curse. The context here leans towards those who engage in pronouncements or counsel.
• הָפַךְ (hāphakh) - turned, made; Hebrew verb, Qal perfect, 3rd person masculine singular. Denotes a change or transformation.
• לְאָיִן (l’āyin) - to nothingness, to naught; Preposition "l-" (to) combined with "ayin" (nothingness). Emphasizes complete void or absence.
• לְהָשִׁית (l'hāshîth) - to cause to pay attention, to make heed; Hebrew infinitive form of the verb "shath," meaning to put, set, or give attention. Here it signifies an active imparting of perception or recognition.
• וַֽיִּתֵּן־ (wayyitēn) - and He gave; Hebrew conjunction "wa-" (and) with the Qal imperfect, 3rd person masculine singular of the verb "nathan" (to give). Denotes the action of bestowing.
• אֹתָם (ōtām) - them; Hebrew plural masculine pronoun, object form, referring to the people of Israel who were being addressed.
• תַּעֲצֻמָּה (ta‘ăṣummāh) - might, strength, firmness; Hebrew feminine noun, likely from a root related to being strong or numerous. It signifies formidable power or intensity. Some suggest it can imply terror or dread in its application of power.
• לְעָרִים (lə‘ārîm) - to cities; Hebrew plural noun "irim" with the preposition "l-" (to). In this context, it's more likely figurative or understood within a martial or strategic sense rather than literal cities, possibly indicating fortified places or strongholds of the enemy that are being overcome, or perhaps a multitude to be dispersed or brought under control.

Word-Group Analysis

• "the counselors and those who speak the voice" (הַיּוֹעֲצִים וְקֹוֹלְלִים): This phrase signifies the wise men, advisors, and those who pronounce judgment or pronouncements of the nations. Their pronouncements are deemed by God to be of no consequence.
• "He turned them to nothingness" (הָפַךְ לְאָיִן): This powerfully depicts the complete invalidation and powerlessness of the perceived wisdom and pronouncements of the enemies or the world's systems.
• "He gave them strength for cities" (וַיִּתֵּן אֹתָם תַּעֲצֻמָּה לְעָרִים): The giving of "ta'atsummah" implies empowerment or a powerful effect. When connected with "cities," it can suggest bestowing strength for defense, or the capacity to overcome strongholds, or perhaps that the chosen ones are made like numerous, unyielding forces ("cities") against their foes. The force is not necessarily brute physical force but divine efficacy enabling victory. The power granted is overwhelming and decisive.

Isaiah 41 28 Bonus Section

This verse echoes the theme of God elevating the humble and confounding the proud, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. The empowerment described can be seen as God equipping His people to fulfill His purposes, making them effective instruments in His hands, regardless of their initial perceived weakness. The juxtaposition of "counselors" and "cities" highlights the radical reversal of fortune that God brings to those who trust Him. God is not only demonstrating His might over idols but is actively deploying His power to vindicate and strengthen His covenant people.

Isaiah 41 28 Commentary

The verse contrasts God's absolute power with the utter ineffectiveness of human wisdom and the false pronouncements of idolaters. God identifies His adversaries, those who rely on their own counsel or idol worship, and declares their strategies and wisdom to be meaningless—they amount to "nothing." He then directly intervenes, transforming the perceived strength or counsel of His people, imbuing them with divine might. This empowerment enables them to overcome their enemies, symbolized by a formidable strength, perhaps the strength to stand firm like fortified cities or to vanquish those fortified places. It’s a declaration of divine enablement for His people in the face of overwhelming opposition. This signifies that true strength and victory come solely from God, not from human devising.

Practical Usage

• When facing complex problems that seem unsolvable by human means, remember God can render the wisdom of advisors useless and grant His people the strength to overcome.
• In times of discouragement or oppression, this verse assures that God empowers the weak and faithful to stand firm and gain victory.
• It reminds believers to seek God's counsel and strength rather than relying on worldly wisdom or fleeting human influence.