Isaiah 42:4 kjv
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Isaiah 42:4 nkjv
He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law."
Isaiah 42:4 niv
he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope."
Isaiah 42:4 esv
He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.
Isaiah 42:4 nlt
He will not falter or lose heart
until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction. "
Isaiah 42 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 42:1 | Behold my servant, whom I uphold... | Introduces the Servant concept |
| Isa 42:6 | ...to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon... | Servant's mission |
| Isa 42:7 | ...to give light to the Gentiles. | Light to the nations |
| Isa 49:6 | ...to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel... | Servant's wider commission |
| Isa 49:8 | ...to restore the land and to portion out the desolate heritages... | Restoration theme |
| Luke 1:79 | To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death... | Jesus fulfilling Isa 42:7 |
| Luke 2:32 | ...a light for revelation to the Gentiles... | Jesus as light to Gentiles |
| Luke 3:22 | And the Holy Spirit descended on him in a bodily form, like a dove... | Descent of the Spirit on Jesus |
| John 1:4 | In him was life, and the life was the light of men. | Jesus as the light of life |
| John 1:9 | The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. | Jesus as the true light |
| John 3:17 | For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. | Salvation through the Son |
| John 8:12 | Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world." | Jesus claiming to be light |
| John 9:39 | Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind." | Seeing and blindness metaphor |
| Acts 26:18 | ...to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God... | Opening eyes, turning to God |
| Rom 15:4 | For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. | Scriptures for instruction/hope |
| Rom 15:12 | And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, and he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope." | Gentiles hoping in the Servant |
| 1 Pet 1:13 | Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Hope in Christ's revelation |
| Rev 21:23 | And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. | Lamb is the light of the New Jerusalem |
| Gen 1:3 | Let there be light, and there was light. | Divine act of creation of light |
| Jer 23:5 | "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch..." | David's righteous branch |
| Zech 4:6 | "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." | By the Spirit |
| Psalm 149:9 | ...to execute on them the judgment written. This is an honor for all his saints. Praise the Lord! | Judgment as honor to saints |
| Matt 12:18 | "Behold, my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased..." | Matthew's citation of Isa 42:1 |
Isaiah 42 verses
Isaiah 42 4 Meaning
The Lord declares His chosen Servant will not falter or be discouraged until justice, truth, and hope are firmly established on earth. This Servant brings a new covenant, a light to the nations.
Isaiah 42 4 Context
Isaiah 42:1-9 introduces God's chosen Servant. This passage is foundational for understanding the concept of the Suffering Servant. It marks a shift in Isaiah, moving from judgments against Israel to a message of hope and restoration through a unique individual. Historically, the exilic period influenced Isaiah's prophecies, and this passage offers assurance to a discouraged people. The Servant's mission transcends Israel, aiming to bring justice and light to all nations. This prophecy is often interpreted as a prefiguration of the Messiah.
Isaiah 42 4 Word Analysis
כִּֽי֩ (ki): This Hebrew word can mean "surely," "for," or "when." Here it acts as a confident affirmation of the Servant's success.
יִצֵּ֤ג (yitzteyg): Derived from a root meaning to be set, fixed, or to represent. It implies being established or firmly put in place.
קַ֤מּוֹת (kammot): This is the feminine plural form of "qomah" meaning "stature" or "height." Figuratively, it can represent firm standing or establishment.
בָּאָֽרֶץ (ba'aretz): "ba" (in, on, at) + "erets" (earth, land). Indicates the location where the Servant's work will be fully realized.
וְאִיִּ֨ים (v'iyyiym): "v'" (and) + "iyyim" (islands, coastlands). Refers to distant regions and peoples.
תִּקְוָה (tikvah): "hope," "expectation." This is a central theme – the Servant brings lasting hope.
יְצַפּוּ (yitzfufuu): Derived from a root meaning "to watch for," "to look for expectantly," or "to hope in." This highlights anticipation for what the Servant will accomplish.
words-group analysis: "כִּי֩ יִצֵּ֤ג קַ֤מּוֹת בָּאָֽרֶץ וְאִיִּ֨ים תִּקְוָה יְצַפּוּ" - This clause paints a picture of comprehensive and enduring establishment. "Set his stature on the earth" implies a foundational, stable presence. "Islands will wait for his teaching/hope" points to global anticipation and dependence on his message.
Isaiah 42 4 Bonus Section
The concept of "islands" (אִיִּים) in the ancient Near East referred not just to landmasses surrounded by water, but also to coastal regions and distant lands not directly governed by major empires. It signifies the breadth of the Servant's future influence, encompassing all nations and peoples, regardless of their geographical or political standing. This anticipation by "islands" suggests a universal longing for the justice and hope that the Servant brings. The strength of God's promise here means the Servant's mission will not ultimately fail or be frustrated, guaranteeing its eventual complete success.
Isaiah 42 4 Commentary
This verse is a powerful assurance of the Servant's unwavering effectiveness. Despite potential challenges or apparent setbacks, God guarantees the ultimate triumph of His Servant's mission. The focus is on a deliberate, foundational establishment of truth and justice throughout the world. The phrase "islands will wait for his teaching" speaks to the universal impact and drawing power of the Servant's work, extending to the furthest reaches of the inhabited world, signifying a comprehensive establishment of hope and divine will.