Isaiah 40:14
Isaiah 40:14 in Multiple Translations
Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?
Who gave him suggestions, and made clear to him the right way? who gave him knowledge, guiding him in the way of wisdom?
Who did the Lord go to for advice to help him understand? Who taught him right from wrong? Who gave him knowledge and showed him the way of wisdom?
Of whom tooke he counsell, and who instructed him and taught him in the way of iudgement? or taught him knowledge, and shewed vnto him the way of vnderstanding?
With whom consulted He, That he causeth Him to understand? And teacheth Him in the path of judgment, And teacheth Him knowledge? And the way of understanding causeth Him to know?
Who did he take counsel with, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?
With whom hath he consulted, and who hath instructed him, and taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and shewed him the way of understanding?
◄Has Yahweh consulted anyone else to get advice?/Yahweh has certainly not consulted anyone else to get advice!► [RHQ] ◄Does he need someone to tell him what is right to do and how to act justly?/He certainly does not need someone to tell him what is right to do and how to act justly!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 40:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶת
מִ֤י
נוֹעָץ֙
וַ/יְבִינֵ֔/הוּ
וַֽ/יְלַמְּדֵ֖/הוּ
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
וַ/יְלַמְּדֵ֣/הוּ
דַ֔עַת
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
תְּבוּנ֖וֹת
יוֹדִיעֶֽ/נּוּ
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
נוֹעָץ֙
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יְבִינֵ֔/הוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַֽ/יְלַמְּדֵ֖/הוּ
lâmad
H3925
to learn
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
way
Prep | N-cs
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
וַ/יְלַמְּדֵ֣/הוּ
lâmad
H3925
to learn
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
דַ֔עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs
תְּבוּנ֖וֹת
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fp
יוֹדִיעֶֽ/נּוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:14
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
נוֹעָץ֙
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
וַ/יְבִינֵ֔/הוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וַֽ/יְלַמְּדֵ֖/הוּ
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
בְּ/אֹ֣רַח
ʼôrach
H734
"way"
Prep | N-cs
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) way, path 1a) path, road 1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.) 1c) way of living (fig.) 1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton) Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop, (by-, high-) way. See also: Genesis 18:11; Proverbs 1:19; Psalms 8:9.
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וַ/יְלַמְּדֵ֣/הוּ
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
דַ֔עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
וְ/דֶ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
תְּבוּנ֖וֹת
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fp
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
יוֹדִיעֶֽ/נּוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:14
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:14
Context — Here Is Your God!
12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?
13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?
14Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
15Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 16Lebanon is not sufficient for fuel, nor its animals enough for a burnt offering.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:22 | Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high? |
| 2 | Colossians 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 | There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. |
| 4 | James 1:17 | Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. |
Isaiah 40:14 Summary
Isaiah 40:14 reminds us that God is all-knowing and wise, and He doesn't need anyone's advice or guidance. This means we can trust Him completely, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, to guide us and provide for us. Because God is sovereign and all-knowing, we can have confidence in His plans and purposes for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. This verse encourages us to rely on God's wisdom and trust in His goodness, just as Psalm 37:3-7 teaches us to trust in Him and do good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Isaiah 40:14?
The main point of Isaiah 40:14 is to emphasize God's sovereign wisdom and knowledge, highlighting that He does not need counsel or guidance from anyone, as seen in Isaiah 40:13 and Job 21:22.
Who is being referred to in this verse?
The verse is referring to God, emphasizing His self-sufficiency and all-knowing nature, which is also reflected in Psalm 139:1-6 and Romans 11:34.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us about God's omniscience and wisdom, showing that He is all-knowing and does not need advice or guidance from anyone, as also stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 23:18.
How does this verse relate to our trust in God?
This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, knowing that He is all-knowing and capable of guiding us, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 58:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking guidance or wisdom, and how can I trust God to provide it?
- How does the concept of God's self-sufficiency and all-knowing nature impact my prayer life and relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's sovereignty and wisdom to my daily decisions and challenges?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's guidance and provision in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:14
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him,.... This is the same as before, only repeated in other words, the more strongly to deny that any mere creature counselled, taught, and instructed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:14
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
Taught him in the path of judgment; how to walk and manage all his affairs with good judgment and discretion.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
Isaiah 40:14 With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?Ver. 14. With whom took he counsel?] See Isaiah 40:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
(14) Counsel . . . judgment.—The cluster of words belonging to the sapiential vocabulary of the Book of Proverbs is to be noted as parallel with Proverbs 11:23, Isaiah 33:15.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:14
14. and who instructed] Or, so that he instructed. path of judgment] path of right (mishpâṭ ?). See ch. Isaiah 28:26, where the word means orderly procedure; here the reference is to the order of nature, or else the transition is already made from creation to providence (Isaiah 40:15). way of understanding] Or, way of insight. The intermediate clause and taught him knowledge is omitted by the LXX., and since it disturbs the parallelism, and repeats the verb just used, it may be a gloss.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:14
With whom took he counsel - The sentiment of the former verse is repeated here, in order, probably, to make it more emphatic. In the path of judgment - The way of judging correctly and wisely; or the way of administering justice.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:14
12-14. In the presence and hearing of the Jewish people, the prophet asks, Who hath measured… meted… comprehended — The verbs are in the past tense, and the last is better rendered as here written
Sermons on Isaiah 40:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Shall Any Teach God Knowledge? by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God possesses complete knowledge and understanding of our lives, rendering our prayers a means of communion rather than a way to inform Him. He reassures |
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Our Daily Homily - Job Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound themes of justice and divine knowledge in the Book of Job, emphasizing the connection between wrongdoing and its consequences. He highlights that w |
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Christ Is All and in All by Lance Lambert | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers growing and coming to full maturity. They highlight that the natural creation is longing for the manifestation of |
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The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wi |
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(Colossians) 01 Paul Thanks God for the Colossians Part I by Bob Utley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible deeply and not just relying on surface-level readings. He warns against the danger of false teachings th |
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(Men God Made) Daniel by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fasting and its importance in the Christian faith. The speaker emphasizes that fasting is not just about abstaining from food, |
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Galatians Chapter 3 (Part 1) by Chip Brogden | In this video, Chip Brogdon continues his study in the book of Galatians. He begins by discussing the concept of true freedom in Christ, which is the ability to choose not to do th |