Isaiah 42 1

Isaiah 42:1 kjv

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:1 nkjv

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:1 niv

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 esv

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 nlt

"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42 verses

Isaiah 42 1 Meaning

Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42 1 Context

This verse marks the beginning of Isaiah chapter 42, which is the first of the "Servant Songs." These songs depict a Suffering Servant who will ultimately bring salvation and justice. Chapter 42 introduces this Servant, highlighting God's approval and the scope of his mission. The immediate context is within Isaiah's broader prophecies concerning judgment and future restoration for Israel, with the Servant playing a pivotal role in God's plan. Historically, the audience would have been familiar with the concept of a servant chosen by God, often referring to the nation of Israel itself, or a king. Isaiah 42 contrasts the inadequacy of earthly powers with the divinely empowered mission of this new Servant.

Isaiah 42 1 Word Analysis

• Behold (רְא֣וּ - re'ū): An imperative, calling for attention, urging the listener to look and observe closely. It signifies something of great importance and invites contemplation.
• my servant (עַבְדִּי֙ - 'avdi): "Avdi" is the first-person possessive form of "'ebed," meaning servant or slave. This indicates a close, obedient relationship. In this context, it's strongly Messianic, pointing to an individual servant who represents and acts for God.
• whom I uphold ('e'ezzorēhu - אֲשֶׁ֥ר 'e'ezzorēhu): "Ezaz" means to help, strengthen, or support. God is not merely observing but actively sustaining and empowering this Servant.
• my chosen (בְּחִירִ֗י - 'ebhîrî): "Bahir" means chosen or elect. This highlights divine selection, not based on merit but on God's sovereign choice, for a specific purpose.
• in whom my soul delights (רוּחִי֙ 'i'resh'am - בּ֛וֹ 'i'resh'am): "Rauch" means spirit, breath, or being. "Raza" means to be pleased, to delight in. God expresses profound favor and pleasure in this Servant. This speaks to an intimate, spiritual connection and satisfaction.
• I will put my Spirit upon him (וְנָתַ֧תִּֽי־רוּחִ֛י עָלָ֥יו - wənāṯaṯî rûḥî 'ālāw): "Natati" means to give. This is a promise of divine empowerment. The Holy Spirit resting on and equipping the Servant for his work. This signifies direct divine enablement, not an earthly appointment.
• and he will bring justice (וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט - ûmišpāṭ): "Mishpat" refers to justice, judgment, rightness, law. It signifies God's righteous order and equitable dealings. The Servant will be an agent of this.
• to the nations (לַגּוֹיִ֣ם - lagôyîm): "Goyim" refers to nations, peoples, gentiles. The scope of the Servant's mission is universal, extending beyond Israel to all peoples of the earth.

Words Group Analysis

• my servant, my chosen: This pairing emphasizes both relationship and divine election. It's not just an obedient servant but one specifically set apart and favored by God for His purposes. This echoes the call of Israel as God's servant but narrows the focus to an individual.
• in whom my soul delights. I will put my Spirit upon him: This juxtaposition shows that God's delight is intimately connected to the divine empowerment of the Spirit. The Spirit's presence is the evidence and means of this favor.
• bring justice to the nations: This phrase defines the core of the Servant's mission. It's not merely administrative or legal justice, but the establishment of God's righteous rule and will on a global scale, rectifying wrongs and establishing true order.

Isaiah 42 1 Bonus Section

This passage is particularly significant because it shifts the focus from a corporate or national "servant" (often referring to Israel) to a singular, unique Servant who embodies God's purposes. The concept of God's "soul delighting" in His servant is an anthropomorphic expression of deep divine affection and satisfaction, highlighting the intimate relationship between the Father and this Servant. The explicit mention of the Spirit’s empowerment is crucial, setting this Servant apart and enabling Him for the immense task of bringing justice to all peoples, a task impossible for human effort alone. The verse lays the groundwork for understanding the subsequent verses, which detail the Servant's gentle yet persistent approach to His mission.

Isaiah 42 1 Commentary

Isaiah 42:1 is a foundational prophetic declaration introducing the Servant of the Lord, a pivotal figure in redemptive history. This Servant is not merely an idealized human leader but a divinely appointed and empowered individual. God Himself attests to His unique relationship with this Servant, emphasizing His pleasure and His intention to equip Him with the Holy Spirit. The Servant's primary task is to bring forth justice not just for a specific group but universally to all nations. This verse is understood by Christian tradition as a clear prophecy of Jesus Christ. His baptism, where the Spirit descended and the Father declared His pleasure, is a direct fulfillment (Matthew 3:17). Jesus' ministry, teaching, and eventual work on the cross are the means by which divine justice and reconciliation are brought to humanity. The universality of His mission, extending salvation to Gentiles, is also underscored in the New Testament, as seen in the commissioning of the apostles.