Isaiah 41:28
Isaiah 41:28 in Multiple Translations
When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say.
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.
And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
And I saw that there was no man, even no wise man among them, who might give an answer to my questions.
I look at these idols, and find there is no one who can say anything. None of them can give advice; when I ask them something, they can't even answer.
But when I behelde, there was none, and when I inquired of them, there was no counsellor, and when I demaunded of them, they answered not a woorde.
And I see that there is no man, Yea, of these that there is no counsellor, And I ask them, and they return word:
When I look, there is no man, even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask, can answer a word.
For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counselor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.
And I saw, and there was no one even among them to consult, or who, when I asked, could answer a word.
None of your idols told you that [DOU]. And when I asked them questions, none of them was able to give me any answers.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 41:28
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 41:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֨רֶא֙
וְ/אֵ֣ין
אִ֔ישׁ
וּ/מֵ/אֵ֖לֶּה
וְ/אֵ֣ין
יוֹעֵ֑ץ
וְ/אֶשְׁאָלֵ֖/ם
וְ/יָשִׁ֥יבוּ
דָבָֽר
וְ/אֵ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וּ/מֵ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Prep | Pron
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
יוֹעֵ֑ץ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal
וְ/אֶשְׁאָלֵ֖/ם
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/יָשִׁ֥יבוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 41:28
וְ/אֵ֨רֶא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וּ/מֵ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
יוֹעֵ֑ץ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal
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.
וְ/אֶשְׁאָלֵ֖/ם
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
וְ/יָשִׁ֥יבוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Isaiah 41:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 41:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:28
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
- Sermons on Isaiah 41:28
Context — Meaningless Idols
26Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: ‘He was right’? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.
27I was the first to tell Zion: ‘Look, here they are!’ And I gave to Jerusalem a herald of good news.
28When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say.
29See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 63:5 | I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:10–11 | The astrologers answered the king, “No one on earth can do what the king requests! No king, however great and powerful, has ever asked anything like this of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer. What the king requests is so difficult that no one can tell it to him except the gods, whose dwelling is not with mortals.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:13–14 | Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? 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? |
| 4 | Daniel 5:8 | So all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or interpret it for him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 50:2 | Why was no one there when I arrived? Why did no one answer when I called? Is My hand too short to redeem you? Or do I lack the strength to deliver you? Behold, My rebuke dries up the sea; I turn the rivers into a desert; the fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:16 | He saw that there was no man; He was amazed that there was no one to intercede. So His own arm brought salvation, and His own righteousness sustained Him. |
| 7 | Daniel 4:7–8 | When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, and they could not interpret it for me. But at last, into my presence came Daniel (whose name is Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods). And I told him the dream: |
Isaiah 41:28 Summary
[This verse means that when God looks for someone to give Him good advice, there is no one among the idols or false gods who can help Him. This shows that God is all-wise and all-knowing, and we should trust only in Him for guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:5-6. We should not look to the world or to false gods for answers, but instead seek God's counsel and trust in His sovereignty. By doing so, we can have confidence in His plan and provision for our lives, just as God had a plan to save His people, as seen in Isaiah 40:9-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when God says 'there is no one' in Isaiah 41:28?
This phrase emphasizes the lack of a reliable counselor or guide among the idols and false gods, as seen in Isaiah 41:29, which says their works amount to nothing. This is in contrast to the true God, who is our Rock and Counselor, as mentioned in Psalm 16:7-8.
Why does God ask the idols for counsel if He knows they have nothing to say?
God's question is rhetorical, highlighting the foolishness of trusting in idols, as also seen in Isaiah 45:20-21, where God challenges the idols to predict the future or declare what is to come.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives as believers?
This verse reminds us to trust in God alone for guidance and wisdom, rather than seeking counsel from the world or idols, as warned in Jeremiah 17:5-6. We should instead seek God's counsel, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the significance of God being the first to tell Zion about the good news in the preceding verse?
This emphasizes God's initiative and faithfulness in revealing His plans and salvation to His people, as seen in Isaiah 40:9-10, where God commands the messenger to proclaim the good news of salvation to Zion.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking counsel from the wrong sources, and how can I instead seek God's guidance?
- How does the fact that idols have 'nothing to say' affect my trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's counsel, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, to my daily decisions and challenges?
- How can I share the good news of God's salvation with others, as God shared it with Zion, and what role can I play in proclaiming God's message to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld, and there was no man,.... Among all the Pagan priests and prophets, that could foretell things to come; or could prove that their idols did or could say anything in favour of them: even
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld and there was no man; even among them and there was no counsellor that when I asked of For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld, Heb. And I beheld; I looked about me to see if I could find any man of them that could certainly and of themselves foretell such future events. No man; not any, to wit, of the idols; for the word man is sometimes used by the Hebrews of brute creatures, and even of lifeless things, as 40:26, and elsewhere. There was no counsellor; though these idols were oft consulted, and by the help of the devil did sometimes deliver oracles, yet none of them were able to give any solid and certain advice concerning future things. That, when I asked of them, could answer a word; when I tried their divinity by this character, they had nothing to say for themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
Isaiah 41:28 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.Ver. 28. For I beheld, and there was no man.] None to say anything for these dumb idols, why I should not pass a definitive sentence against them. It is, therefore, this -
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
(28) For I beheld, and there was no man—i.e., no one who had foretold the future. Jehovah, speaking through the prophet, looks round in vain for that.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
Verse 28. Among them - "Among the idols"] For ומאלה umeelleh, I read ומאלים umeellim, with the Septuagint, καιαποτωνειδωλων, "and from or among the idols." See Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 57:5. R. D. Kimchi has many good observations on this chapter. Bishop Lowth follows him in applying it to Abraham, and not to Cyrus; the whole being spoken in the past tense, which is not used, or rarely, in such a case for the future. Almost the whole of the rabbins understand it of Abraham. On Kimchi's plan, the following is a paraphrase. The righteous man - Abram, from the east - the land of his nativity, called the land of the children of the east, Genesis 29:1. Brought him to his feet - Whithersoever his feet went, he preached righteousness and truth; as it is written, "There he proclaimed in the name of JEHOVAH," Genesis 21:31.
And he called it ויקראהו vaiyikraehu - that is, צרק tsedek, righteousness, to his feet, enabled him to hold it forth wherever he went. He called the nations - To leave their idols and worship him who made the universe. He taught them the way of righteousness, truth, and faith. Was there ever a prodigy like to this? A man who had been an idolater, rising up against all the nations of the earth, reproving their faith, and not fearing before them nor their kings! Who stirred up his heart to do this? Was it not the Lord? Gave the nations before him - And made him rule over kings - Chedorlaomer, and the kings which were with him: whom the Lord gave as dust to his sword, and stubble to his bow. He pursued them - He and his three hundred and eighteen servants. He passed safely - שלום shalom for בשלום beshalom, in safety; so said, because he lost not one of his men in this expedition.
See Kimchi.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 41:28
28. For I beheld, and there was] Rather as R.V. And when I look, there is. Cf. Isaiah 50:2 even amongst them] Better: and among these, viz., the idols; the previous clause referring to their worshippers. no counseller] None who can advise in the present crisis.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld - I looked upon the pagan world, among all the pretended prophets, and the priests of pagan idolatry. And there was no man - No man among them who could predict these future events.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 41:28
28, 29. I beheld — All opportunities were given the prophets of idolatry, pagan priests, soothsayers, necromancers, etc., to furnish the first indication of predictive power; but not one ever appeared.
Sermons on Isaiah 41:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Carry His Burden by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for the world that is without God. He encourages the audience to bear the burden and care for others, belie |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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The Singular Origin of a Christian Man by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of man as God's workmanship, both in the initial creation and in the process of being created anew. The speaker emphasizes the marvels o |
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(Divine Attributes) 08 Glory to the Omnicient Only Wise God by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God. He encourages the audience to pursue wisdom as diligently as one would search for hidden treasur |
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Broken Down Altars by Billy Sunday | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Unfathomable', describing it as that which cannot be traced out or comprehended by human minds, using the Greek word 'anexichniastos'. This |
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A Prophecy for Russia and America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses frustration and anger towards the wickedness in the world, particularly highlighting a case where a young man who had beaten up an elderly ma |
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God Is Willing to Save Wicked, Hardened Sinners! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unwavering willingness and power to save even the most hardened sinners, as seen in the plight of Judah who doubted His ability to redeem them from |