Isaiah 40:27
Isaiah 40:27 in Multiple Translations
Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and the justice due to me is passed away from my God?
Why do you say, O Jacob, such words as these, O Israel, The Lord's eyes are not on my way, and my God gives no attention to my cause?
Why do you speak like this, Jacob, and why do you say, Israel, “The Lord doesn't see what's happening to me, and he's ignoring my rights!”
Why sayest thou, O Iaakob, and speakest O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my iudgement is passed ouer of my God?
Why sayest thou, O Jacob? and speakest thou, O Israel? 'My way hath been hid from Jehovah, And from my God my judgment passeth over.'
Why do you say, Jacob, and speak, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God”?
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over by my God?
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel: My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
You people of Israel [DOU], why do you complain that Yahweh does not see the troubles that you are experiencing? Why do you say that he does not act fairly toward you?
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 40:27
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 40:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֤/מָּה
תֹאמַר֙
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
וּ/תְדַבֵּ֖ר
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
נִסְתְּרָ֤ה
דַרְכִּ/י֙
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֔ה
וּ/מֵ/אֱלֹהַ֖/י
מִשְׁפָּטִ֥/י
יַעֲבֽוֹר
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תֹאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וּ/תְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
נִסְתְּרָ֤ה
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
דַרְכִּ/י֙
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וּ/מֵ/אֱלֹהַ֖/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
מִשְׁפָּטִ֥/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms | Suff
יַעֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 40:27
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תֹאמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וּ/תְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
נִסְתְּרָ֤ה
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
דַרְכִּ/י֙
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
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.
מֵֽ/יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
וּ/מֵ/אֱלֹהַ֖/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מִשְׁפָּטִ֥/י
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms | Suff
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.
יַעֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Isaiah 40:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 40:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:27
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
- Sermons on Isaiah 40:27
Context — Here Is Your God!
25“To whom will you liken Me, or who is My equal?” asks the Holy One.
26Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
27Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out. 29He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 18:7–8 | Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” |
| 2 | Isaiah 49:4 | But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 49:14 | But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me!” |
| 4 | Job 27:2 | “As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice— the Almighty, who has embittered my soul— |
Isaiah 40:27 Summary
Isaiah 40:27 is a reminder that God sees and knows everything about us, even when we feel like He is not paying attention. The Israelites felt like God had forgotten them, but He was reminding them that He is the all-knowing and all-seeing God (as stated in Psalm 139:1-6). We can trust that God is always with us and working in our lives, even when we do not see it, just like He promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, we can have peace and confidence in His plan for our lives (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'My way is hidden from the LORD' in Isaiah 40:27?
This phrase means that the Israelites felt like God was not aware of their situation or was not paying attention to their needs, which is not true according to Psalm 139:1-6, where God's omniscience is clearly stated.
Why do people think God ignores their claims or prayers?
People may feel like God is ignoring them because they do not see immediate answers to their prayers, but as Isaiah 40:28-29 reminds us, God is the everlasting God who gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak, and He will fulfill His purposes in His own time.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty by implying that He is all-knowing and all-seeing, and therefore, our ways are not hidden from Him, as also stated in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says He has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
What is the significance of addressing both 'Jacob' and 'Israel' in this verse?
Addressing both 'Jacob' and 'Israel' emphasizes that God is speaking to His chosen people, reminding them of His covenant with them, and reassuring them that He has not forgotten them, as He says in Genesis 28:15, 'I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like God is not paying attention, and how can I trust Him more?
- How does the fact that God is all-knowing and all-seeing impact my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I be assured that God is working in my life, even when I do not see immediate results?
- What are some promises from God's Word that I can cling to when I feel like my way is hidden from Him?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 40:27
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel,.... The Jews, supposed to be in captivity, are here meant, according to Jarchi and Kimchi; whom the prophet reproves, for murmuring at the calamities
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 40:27
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Why sayest thou, O Jacob ... My way is hid from the Lord?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
Why sayest thou in thy heart? why dost thou give way to such jealousies concerning thy God, of whose infinite power, and wisdom, and goodness there are such evident demonstrations given to all mankind, and to thee in a singular manner? My way; the course and condition of my life. He takes no notice of my prayers and tears, and sufferings for his name, but suffers my enemies to abuse me at their pleasure, and doth not attempt to rescue me out of their hands. This complaint is uttered in the name of the people, being prophetically supposed to be in captivity. My judgment; either, 1. My punishment; or rather, 2. My cause, as this word is most commonly used. God hath neglected to plead my cause, and to give judgment for me against mine enemies, as he hath formerly done. Is passed over from my God; God hath dismissed it, and left it and me in the hands of mine enemies, and now our case is so desperate that God cannot help us; for which reason they compared themselves to dry bones lying in the grave, Ezekiel 37$.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
Isaiah 40:27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?Ver. 27. How sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, &c., ] q.d., Fie for shame, what unbecoming language is this for such! Doth God know and order the stars, and hath he cast away the care of his people Never think it; let it be enough, and too much, for a heathen to say, - “ Saepe mihi dubiam traxit sententia mentem, Curarent super; terras, an nullus inesset Rector, et incerto fluerent mortalia casu. ” - Claudian. And my judgment is passed over,] q.d., I thought I should have had a day of hearing ere this; sed comperendinor.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
(27) Why sayest thou, O Jacob.—The eternity and infinity of God is presented not only as rebuking the folly of the idolater, but as the ground of comfort to His people. His is no transient favour, no capricious will. (Comp. Romans 11:29-36.)
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 40:27
27–31. The prophet now turns to his own people, drawing the lesson of hope and encouragement which lies in the true doctrine of God. Jehovah, whom Israel still calls “my God” (Isaiah 40:27), is eternal and unchangeable, of infinite power and discernment (28), and the source of strength to those who have none in themselves (29) if only they will wait on Him in faith (31).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 40:27
Why sayest thou? - This verse is designed to reprove the people for their want of confidence in God.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 40:27
27. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel? — Amid such proofs, as above, of the infinite incomparableness of Jehovah, the promiser and comforter, what ground for saying, My way is hid from the Lord?
Sermons on Isaiah 40:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
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Don’t Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. The Israelites are faced with a fortified city that they don't have the weaponry to fight agai |
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(Through the Bible) Micah by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's requirement for us is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. The prophet in the Bible asks what he can do t |
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He Giveth Power by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the questions raised by the enemy concerning God. He refers to the four questions asked by God in the previous portion of the scripture. The |
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10 Ways to Prevail in Prayer by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of prayer in the Christian life, presenting ten ways to prevail in prayer, including the necessity of worship, perseverance, and obedience |
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The Eternal Inheritance - Introduction by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of allowing God's Word to penetrate deeply into our spirits, as highlighted in Psalms 119:130, which states that the entrance of God's wo |
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Treasures From James Smith by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the importance of being zealous for the truth of the gospel, living in earnest, and adorning the teaching of God with a consistent and holy walk. He emph |