Isaiah 55:4
Isaiah 55:4 in Multiple Translations
Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.
See, I have given him as a witness to the peoples, a ruler and a guide to the nations.
See how I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for them.
Beholde, I gaue him for a witnes to the people, for a prince and a master vnto the people.
Lo, a witness to peoples I have given him, A leader and commander to peoples.
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, for a leader and a master to the Gentiles.
By what he did, I showed my power to many people-groups; I caused him to be a leader and commander [DOU] over the people of many nations.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 55:4
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 55:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֛ן
עֵ֥ד
לְאוּמִּ֖ים
נְתַתִּ֑י/ו
נָגִ֥יד
וּ/מְצַוֵּ֖ה
לְאֻמִּֽים
הֵ֛ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
עֵ֥ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
לְאוּמִּ֖ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-mp
נְתַתִּ֑י/ו
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
נָגִ֥יד
nâgîyd
H5057
leader
N-ms
וּ/מְצַוֵּ֖ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
Conj | V-Piel
לְאֻמִּֽים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 55:4
הֵ֛ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עֵ֥ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
לְאוּמִּ֖ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
נְתַתִּ֑י/ו
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נָגִ֥יד
nâgîyd
H5057
"leader"
N-ms
This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.
Definition: 1) leader, ruler, captain, prince 1a) ruler, prince 1b) prince-overseer 1c) ruler (in other capacities) 1d) princely things
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince, (chief) ruler. See also: 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 29:22; Psalms 76:13.
וּ/מְצַוֵּ֖ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
Conj | V-Piel
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
לְאֻמִּֽים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
Study Notes — Isaiah 55:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 55:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:4
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
- Sermons on Isaiah 55:4
Context — Invitation to the Needy
2Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
3Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David.
4Behold, I have made him a witness to the nations, a leader and commander of the peoples.
5Surely you will summon a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you will run to you. For the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, has bestowed glory on you.” 6Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 34:23–24 | I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. |
| 2 | Isaiah 9:6–7 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 3 | Daniel 9:25 | Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress. |
| 4 | Revelation 1:5 | and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, |
| 5 | Hebrews 2:10 | In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. |
| 6 | Psalms 18:43 | You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me. |
| 7 | Hosea 3:5 | Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 30:9 | Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:6 | “I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.” |
| 10 | Matthew 2:6 | ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ” |
Isaiah 55:4 Summary
[Isaiah 55:4 tells us that God has made Jesus a witness to the nations and a leader and commander of the peoples. This means that Jesus has been given the authority to lead and guide the nations, and that He is a witness to the truth of God's love and redemption. As seen in John 1:14, Jesus is the Word of God who has come to dwell among us, and as seen in Matthew 28:18-20, He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. This is good news for us, because it means that we have a leader who cares about us and wants to guide us in the right path.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'him' being referred to in Isaiah 55:4?
The 'him' in Isaiah 55:4 is likely a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is spoken of throughout the book of Isaiah as a leader and witness to the nations, as seen in Isaiah 49:6 and Isaiah 42:6.
What does it mean to be a 'witness to the nations'?
To be a witness to the nations means to testify or bear witness to the truth of God's love and redemption, as seen in Acts 1:8, where Jesus commands His disciples to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
How does this verse relate to the covenant mentioned in Isaiah 55:3?
The covenant mentioned in Isaiah 55:3 is an everlasting covenant, and the leader and commander of the peoples in Isaiah 55:4 is likely the one who will fulfill this covenant, as seen in Luke 1:68-75, where Zechariah prophesies about the coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
What does it mean to be a 'leader and commander of the peoples'?
To be a leader and commander of the peoples means to have authority and guidance over the nations, as seen in Psalm 2:7-8, where God declares that His Son will be given the nations as His inheritance and will rule over them with an iron scepter.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is a witness to the nations, and how can you participate in this witness?
- How can you be a leader and commander of the peoples in your own sphere of influence, and what does this look like in your daily life?
- What are some ways that you can testify to the truth of God's love and redemption, and how can you be a witness to those around you?
- How does the idea of Jesus being a leader and commander of the peoples impact your understanding of His role in your life and in the world?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people,.... That is, the Messiah, as Aben Ezra, Kimchi, and Ben Melech rightly interpret it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, I have given him - the mystical David (Ezekiel 37:24-25; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5). Given by God (Isaiah 49:6).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
I have given, I have already appointed, and will in due time actually give, him; the David last mentioned, even Christ, the Son and successor of David, as is plain and certain from the titles and works ascribed to him in this and the following verse. But of this See Poole "". For a witness; to be a Prophet or Teacher to declare the counsel and will of God concerning the duty and salvation of men; to bear witness unto the truth, as Christ himself affirmeth, ; to confirm God’ s promises, , and, amongst others, those which respect the calling and reconciliation of the Gentiles; to be a witness for both parties of that covenant made between God and men. To the people; not only to my people of Israel, but to all people, Gentiles no less than Jews, as is evident from the following verse, and from , and divers other places. A Leader and Commander; a sovereign Prince to give them laws, and exact their obedience, and in case of their obedience to give them protection and rewards.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
Isaiah 55:4 Behold, I have given him [for] a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.Ver. 4. Behold, I have given him,] i.e., Christ, called David, because typed out by David, promised to him, and sprang of him. For a witness.] To teach and testify his Father’ s will and counsel, at which, being his eternal wisdom, he had been present. See Revelation 3:14. A leader and commander to the people.] Of Christ’ s priestly office had been spoken in Isaiah 53:12, here of his prophetical and princely. These were frequently set forth even in the Old Testament; by the crown or golden plate on the high priest’ s head was signified Christ’ s kingly office; by the breastplate, his priestly; and by the bells, his prophetic. Ut de veritate hac et voluntate Patris testaretur.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
(4) I have given him . . .—Better, I gave, the words referring primarily to the historic David (Comp. Psalms 78:70-71), though realised fully only in Him who was the “faithful and true witness” (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14), the “captain” or “leader” of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10).
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 55:4
3–5. The offer of Isa 55:1-2 is summed up in the promise of an everlasting covenant. see ch. Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 49:8; and cf. Isaiah 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Jeremiah 31:31-33. Incline your ear &c.] The condition imposed is simply the consent and submission of the heart to the divine will. an everlasting covenant … the sure mercies of David] i.e. the mercies (lovingkindnesses) irrevocably promised to David and his house. Comp. the “Last Words of David,” 2 Samuel 23:5 (“an everlasting covenant ordered in all things and secured”), Psalms 18:50 (“shewing lovingkindness … to David and to his seed for ever”), Psalms 89:28 (“for ever will I keep my lovingkindness to him, and my covenant is sure to him”), and Psalms 89:49; and the great promise to which all these passages point, 2 Samuel 7:8-16. The comparison of the everlasting covenant to these Davidic “mercies” cannot mean simply that the one is as sure as the other. It is identity rather than comparison that is implied, the idea being that the contents of the covenant are the same as the mercies promised to David, and that it will be the fulfilment of the hopes that clustered round the Davidic dynasty. But an intricate question arises with respect to the sense in which this fulfilment is to be understood in the next two verses.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 55:4
Behold, I have given him - This is evidently the language of God respecting the Messiah, or of David as representing the Messiah.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 55:4
4. Behold — God continues calling attention to the functions of the great Messiah. He desires the people — all people — to grasp the full idea of Messiah.
Sermons on Isaiah 55:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hosea #8 Ch. 13-14 Hosea by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Hosea and its teachings about the character of God. The book emphasizes four key characteristics of God: sovereignty, holiness, |
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The Coming King by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into Revelation 19, highlighting the worship in heaven, the anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb, and the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ as King of kings and |
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Son of God or Son of Man by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, drawing from prophecies in the Old Testament that were precisely fulfilled in his life, death, and resurrect |
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Matthew 22:42 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the pivotal question posed by Jesus, 'What think ye of Christ, whose Son is He?' He emphasizes the significance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God versus m |
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Urgently Needed: Prophetic Leaders by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic leaders in a time when religious news is abundant yet lacks spiritual depth. He critiques the overwhelming focus on religious ac |
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"The Shepherd of Israel" ch.10:1-10 by Charles Alexander | Charles Alexander delves into the profound prophetic purpose and revelation found in the tenth chapter of John, where Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling anci |
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Ezekiel 37:24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes God's promises to Israel, particularly the restoration of the nation and the establishment of a united kingdom under a future king from David's lineage. He h |