Isaiah 40:13
Isaiah 40:13 in Multiple Translations
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
By whom has the spirit of the Lord been guided, or who has been his teacher?
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or taught him what to do as his counselor?
Who hath instructed ye Spirit of the Lord? or was his counseler or taught him?
Who hath meted out the Spirit of Jehovah, And, [being] His counsellor, doth teach Him!
Who has directed the LORD’s Spirit, or has taught him as his counselor?
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?
Who hath forwarded the spirit of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor, and hath taught him?
And ◄who else can advise Yahweh’s Spirit?/No one else can advise Yahweh’s Spirit!► [RHQ] ◄Who can teach him or advise/tell him what he should do?/No one can teach him or advise/tell him what he should do!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:13
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 40:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽי
תִכֵּ֥ן
אֶת
ר֖וּחַ
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
עֲצָת֖/וֹ
יוֹדִיעֶֽ/נּוּ
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
תִכֵּ֥ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
עֲצָת֖/וֹ
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs | Suff
יוֹדִיעֶֽ/נּוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:13
מִֽי
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.
תִכֵּ֥ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
ר֖וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | 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.
עֲצָת֖/וֹ
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
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 40:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:13
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:13
Context — Here Is Your God!
11He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 2:16 | “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. |
| 2 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 3 | Job 21:22 | Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high? |
| 4 | Job 36:22–23 | Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’? |
| 5 | Luke 10:22 | All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” |
| 6 | Ephesians 1:11 | In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
| 7 | John 1:13 | children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. |
Isaiah 40:13 Summary
[This verse, Isaiah 40:13, is saying that no one can tell God what to do or give Him advice because He is all-knowing and all-powerful. It's like trying to teach a teacher who already knows everything. As it says in Psalm 121:2, 'My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,' and in Jeremiah 32:17, 'Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to direct the Spirit of the LORD?
Directing the Spirit of the LORD means to instruct or guide Him, which is impossible for humans to do, as seen in Isaiah 40:13, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power, similar to what is stated in Job 37:23 and Psalm 115:3.
Can anyone inform the Spirit of the LORD as His counselor?
No, according to Isaiah 40:13, no one can inform the Spirit of the LORD as His counselor, highlighting God's all-knowing nature, also seen in Romans 11:34 and 1 Corinthians 2:16.
Why is it significant that the verse asks who has directed the Spirit of the LORD?
This question is significant because it underscores the idea that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and does not need human guidance or advice, as also stated in Jeremiah 23:18 and Proverbs 21:30.
How does this verse relate to the character of God?
This verse reveals God's character as all-knowing, all-powerful, and sovereign, emphasizing that He does not need human guidance or counsel, which is a theme throughout Scripture, including in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 33:11.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to acknowledge God's sovereignty in my life, and how can I apply this truth in my daily decisions?
- In what ways can I recognize and submit to God's guidance, rather than trying to direct Him or offer counsel?
- How does the idea that God does not need human counsel impact my prayer life, and what does it mean for me to come before Him in humility?
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to control or direct God, and how can I surrender these areas to His sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:13
Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord,.... In the creation of all things, in garnishing the heavens, and moving upon the face of the waters?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:13
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or (being) his counselor, hath taught him?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
Who did God either need or take to advise him in any of his works, either of creation or the government of the world? were they not all the effects of his own sole wisdom? Therefore though all the nations of the world contrive and conspire against him, and against this work of his, as indeed they will do, yet his own counsel shall confound all their devices, and carry on his work in spite of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
Isaiah 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?Ver. 13. Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord?] Who was then of his council when he made the universe? None but his own essential wisdom. See Romans 11:34-35.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
(13) Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord?—The term, which had been used in a lower sense in Isaiah 40:7, is here clothed as with a Divine personality, answering, as it were, to the wisdom of Pro 8:22-30, with which the whole passage has a striking resemblance. Eastern cosmogonies might represent Bel or Ormuzd, as calling inferior deities into counsel (Cheyne). The prophet finds no other counsellor than One who is essentially one with the Eternal.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:13
13. From the power of Jehovah, the writer passes to expatiate on His perfect and self-sufficing wisdom. Who hath directed] The verb is the same as “meted out” in the previous verse, and the transition from the literal to the metaphorical use is somewhat uncertain. From the idea of “weighing out” according to a fixed scale we get the notion of “regulating” or “determining”; cf. Ezekiel 18:25 (and pars.) “the way of Jehovah is not weighed out,” regulated, i.e. is arbitrary. Or, on the other hand, the meaning might be “rightly estimated,” “searched out” (as Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 21:2). The first sense suits the context best; whether we render “direct” or “regulate” or “determine.” LXX. probably read a different word; its τίςἔγνωνοῦνΚυρίου is verbally cited in 1 Corinthians 2:16. the spirit of the Lord] denotes here the organ of the Divine intelligence (see 1 Corinthians 2:11). This is more likely than that the spirit is personified and then endowed with intelligence. The idea, however, does not appear to be found elsewhere in the O.T. The Spirit of God is ordinarily mentioned as the life-giving principle emanating from Jehovah, which pervades and sustains the world, and endows select men with extraordinary powers and virtues. or being … him] Better, perhaps: and was the man of His counsel who taught Him. “His” and “Him” refer of course to Jehovah, not the Spirit.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:13
Who hath directed - This passage is quoted by Paul in Romans 11:34, and referred to by him in 1 Corinthians 2:16.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:13
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 40:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
Revelation and Reason by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast dif |
|
Holy Spirit Given From Heaven by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God and following the teachings of the scriptures. He shares a personal anecdote about a man who was converted to |
|
(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques |