Isaiah 55:4 kjv
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Isaiah 55:4 nkjv
Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people.
Isaiah 55:4 niv
See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples.
Isaiah 55:4 esv
Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
Isaiah 55:4 nlt
See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
Isaiah 55 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 55:4 | "Behold, I have given him as a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples." | Isa 55:4 (Implied fulfillment) |
| Psalm 2:10-12 | "Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear..." | Ps 2:10-12 (Warning against rebellion) |
| Jeremiah 10:10 | "But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting king. At his wrath the earth will tremble..." | Jer 10:10 (God's sovereignty and wrath) |
| Daniel 4:17 | "...until they know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever he will, and sets over it the lowest of men." | Dan 4:17 (God's dominion over nations) |
| Daniel 7:27 | "And the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under all the heavens shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High..." | Dan 7:27 (Future kingdom of saints) |
| Matthew 28:18 | "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" | Mt 28:18 (Jesus' universal authority) |
| Acts 17:24-25 | "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hand..." | Acts 17:24-25 (God's universal reign) |
| Romans 11:36 | "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." | Rom 11:36 (God as source of all) |
| Revelation 15:4 | "Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you..." | Rev 15:4 (All nations worship God) |
| Joshua 24:15 | "...choose whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River..." | Josh 24:15 (Call to choose service) |
| 1 Samuel 15:23 | "...Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king." | 1 Sam 15:23 (Consequences of rejection) |
| Psalm 67:2 | "...that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." | Ps 67:2 (God's will known to nations) |
| Isaiah 2:2-4 | "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains..." | Isa 2:2-4 (Nations submitting to God) |
| Isaiah 49:6 | "...that you might be my salvation to the ends of the earth.”" | Isa 49:6 (Messiah as salvation for nations) |
| John 14:6 | "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" | John 14:6 (Jesus as the only way) |
| Acts 4:12 | "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." | Acts 4:12 (Jesus as exclusive Savior) |
| Philippians 2:9-11 | "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." | Phil 2:9-11 (Jesus' exalted name) |
| Revelation 21:24 | "And the nations shall walk by its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it." | Rev 21:24 (Nations walking in God's light) |
| Isaiah 14:27 | "For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" | Isa 14:27 (Unchangeable purpose) |
| Deuteronomy 32:39 | "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god besides me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." | Deut 32:39 (God's absolute power) |
Isaiah 55 verses
Isaiah 55 4 Meaning
This verse proclaims that nations who do not serve the Lord will perish and be utterly laid waste. It emphasizes God's sovereign power and exclusive claim over humanity, declaring that the service rendered to Him is the true path of existence for all peoples. Disobedience and rejection of God lead to desolation and destruction.
Isaiah 55 4 Context
Isaiah 55:1-13 is a passage of invitation and assurance, offering salvation and covenant to all who will listen. It begins with a gracious call to "everyone who thirsts" to come to the waters and to those who have no money to buy sustenance, emphasizing God's abundant and freely given provisions. The chapter transitions into a description of God's new covenant and His unfailing promises of mercy and faithfulness. Verse 4, in this context, highlights the role of the Messiah, who is presented as a witness, leader, and commander to the nations, indicating His universal mission and authority. The subsequent verses (5-7) elaborate on how nations will recognize and submit to God through this Messiah, confessing Him as Lord. This vision of a redeemed world, where all nations turn to God, is a hallmark of prophetic eschatology.
Historically, this chapter speaks into a post-exilic setting, offering hope for a future restoration and a broader outreach of God's kingdom beyond Israel. It also carries a messianic fulfillment that extends beyond the immediate audience to all of humanity through Jesus Christ. The emphasis is on God's overarching plan for all peoples to acknowledge His sovereignty.
Isaiah 55 4 Word Analysis
“Behold” (Hebrew: הִנֵּה - hinneh): An interjection used to draw attention, to emphasize what follows. It signals the introduction of something significant and certain.
“I” (Hebrew: אֲנִי - ani): The first-person singular pronoun, stressing God's direct and personal involvement in His declarations and actions.
“have given” (Hebrew: נָתַתִּי - natati): The Qal perfect verb from יָתַן (yatan), meaning "to give" or "to appoint." This signifies a completed action, God's established decree or appointment.
“him”: Refers to the servant or Messiah who is the subject of the preceding and subsequent verses, designated to lead and command nations.
“as a witness” (Hebrew: לְעֵד - le'ed): A preposition (le-) with the noun עֵד (ed), meaning "witness" or "testimony." It signifies one who bears testimony or provides evidence.
“to the peoples” (Hebrew: לְאוּמִּים - le'ummim): The preposition le- with the plural noun אוּמָּה (ummah), meaning "people," "nation," or "ethnic group." It denotes the intended audience of this testimony, all nations.
“a leader” (Hebrew: לְנָגִיד - lenagid): The preposition le- with the noun נָגִיד (nagid), meaning "leader," "ruler," "prince," or "chief." It denotes one who directs and governs.
“and commander” (Hebrew: וּלְמְצַוֵּה - ulemetsaveh): A conjunction (wə-) with the preposition le- and the active participle of the Qal stem of צִוָּה (tsivah), meaning "to command," "to order," or "to charge." It signifies one who issues commands.
“for the peoples” (Hebrew: לַלְאֻמִּים - lal'ummim): The definite article (la-) with the plural noun אוּמָּה (ummah). Repeating "the peoples" underscores the comprehensive scope of the servant's mission.
Words-group analysis:
- "given him as a witness to the peoples": This phrase establishes the servant's function as a divinely appointed revealer of God's truth and justice to all nations. The witnessing implies not just declaration but also vindication.
- "a leader and commander for the peoples": This pairing highlights the servant's dual role of providing direction and authority. He will lead His followers and command obedience from all, demonstrating God's supreme rule through him. The singular "him" points to a unified individual acting on behalf of God.
Isaiah 55 4 Bonus Section
The concept of a singular leader and commander for all peoples connects deeply with the messianic prophecies in Isaiah. While the immediate context might suggest Cyrus in some readings for his decree enabling return from exile, the elevation to a "witness," "leader," and "commander" for all nations transcends Cyrus's role. This descriptor is most powerfully fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate witness to the Father, the shepherd leading His flock, and the commanding voice to whom all authority is given. Scholars observe how Isaiah, especially in the "servant songs" (e.g., Isaiah 42, 49, 53), develops the portrait of this universal servant-leader. The repetition of "the peoples" ('ummim) is significant, marking a consistent theme in Isaiah about God's redemptive plan embracing the Gentile world, not exclusively Israel. This outreach anticipates the New Testament fulfillment where the Gospel is preached to all nations.
Isaiah 55 4 Commentary
Isaiah 55:4 serves as a crucial bridge within the chapter, moving from the general invitation of salvation to the specific instrument of its dissemination: a divinely appointed leader. This figure, often understood as the Messiah, is not just for Israel but is positioned as a witness, guide, and authoritative figure for all nations. The implication is that through this servant, God's will and kingdom will be made known universally. His leadership implies direction and governance, and his commandership suggests authority that requires obedience. This verse foreshadows the Great Commission and the global scope of the gospel message. The nations' ultimate destiny—to serve and recognize God—is intrinsically linked to this singular leader and commander appointed by God.