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Isaiah 42:4

Isaiah 42:4 in Multiple Translations

He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.

His light will not be put out, and he will not be crushed, till he has given the knowledge of the true God to the earth, and the sea-lands will be waiting for his teaching.

He won't give up or become discouraged until he has made sure that justice is upheld throughout the world. Even lands overseas will look forward to his teachings.

He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he haue set iudgement in the earth: and the yles shall waite for his lawe.

He doth not become weak nor bruised, Till he setteth judgment in the earth, And for his law isles wait with hope.

He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands wait for his law.”

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he hath set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

He shall not be sad, nor troublesome, till he set judgment in the earth: and the islands shall wait for his law.

He will not become exhausted or discouraged all during the time that he is causing things to be done justly throughout the earth. Even people living on the islands in [MTY] the oceans will confidently wait for him to teach them his laws.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 42:4

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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 42:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹ֤א יִכְהֶה֙ וְ/לֹ֣א יָר֔וּץ עַד יָשִׂ֥ים בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וּ/לְ/תוֹרָת֖/וֹ אִיִּ֥ים יְיַחֵֽילוּ
לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִכְהֶה֙ kâhâh H3543 to grow dim V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יָר֔וּץ râtsats H7533 to crush V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
יָשִׂ֥ים sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-ms
וּ/לְ/תוֹרָת֖/וֹ tôwrâh H8451 instruction Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
אִיִּ֥ים ʼîy H339 coastland N-mp
יְיַחֵֽילוּ yâchal H3176 to wait V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 42:4

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִכְהֶה֙ kâhâh H3543 "to grow dim" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rebuke means to scold or correct someone, like when God rebukes His people in the Bible for disobedience. It can also mean to become weak or dim, like when light fades away. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to grow weak, grow dim, grow faint, falter, be weak, be dim, be darkened, be restrained, be faint, fail 1a) (Qal) to grow dim 1b) (Piel) to faint, grow weak, grow faint
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:1; Job 17:7; Isaiah 42:4.
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָר֔וּץ râtsats H7533 "to crush" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To crush means to break or oppress something or someone, used to describe physical or emotional distress in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to crush, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to crush, get crushed, be crushed 1a2) to crush, oppress (fig) 1a3) crushed (participle passive) 1b) (Niphal) to be crushed, be broken 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to crush in pieces 1c2) to grievously oppress (fig) 1d) (Poel) to oppress (fig) 1e) (Hiphil) to crush 1f) (Hithpoel) to crush each other
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle together. See also: Genesis 25:22; Psalms 74:14; Isaiah 36:6.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
יָשִׂ֥ים sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
בָּ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
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.
וּ/לְ/תוֹרָת֖/וֹ tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
אִיִּ֥ים ʼîy H339 "coastland" N-mp
This word refers to a habitable spot, such as a coast, island, or dry land. It is used to describe desirable places in the Bible, like a country or region.
Definition: coast, island, shore, region
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: country, isle, island. See also: Genesis 10:5; Isaiah 51:5; Psalms 72:10.
יְיַחֵֽילוּ yâchal H3176 "to wait" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.

Study Notes — Isaiah 42:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 53:2–12 He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
2 Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
3 Isaiah 52:13–15 Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as many were appalled at Him — His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness— so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.
4 Isaiah 55:5 Surely 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.”
5 Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.
6 Isaiah 9:7 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.
7 Matthew 12:21 In His name the nations will put their hope.”
8 Psalms 98:2–3 The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations. He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
9 Zechariah 2:11 “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you.
10 Isaiah 60:9 Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

Isaiah 42:4 Summary

[Isaiah 42:4 tells us that God will not give up or become discouraged until He has brought about justice and fairness on the earth. This means that God is always working to make things right, even when we can't see it. As it says in Psalm 37:28, God loves justice and will never abandon those who are righteous. We can trust in God's promise to establish justice, just as the 'islands' will put their hope in His law, and we can reflect His character of justice and compassion to those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'establish justice on the earth' in Isaiah 42:4?

This means that God will bring about a time when righteousness and fairness will reign supreme, and all people will be treated with equity and compassion, as seen in Isaiah 11:4 and Psalm 72:2-4.

Will God ever become weak or discouraged in His pursuit of justice?

According to Isaiah 42:4, God will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to righteousness, as also seen in Psalm 92:15.

What does it mean for the 'islands to put their hope' in God's law?

This phrase suggests that even the most distant and isolated nations will come to trust and rely on God's teachings and principles, as hinted at in Isaiah 49:6 and Acts 17:26-27.

How does this verse relate to the character of Jesus Christ?

Isaiah 42:4 is often seen as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who will bring about justice and righteousness on the earth, and in whom all people can put their hope, as seen in Matthew 12:18-21 and Luke 4:18-19.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to see God's justice and righteousness established, and how can I pray for that to happen?
  2. In what ways can I be a part of bringing hope to those around me, just as the 'islands' will put their hope in God's law?
  3. How does the promise of God's unwavering commitment to justice encourage me to trust in Him, even in difficult times?
  4. What are some ways I can reflect God's character of justice and compassion to those around me, as seen in Isaiah 42:4 and other scriptures?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail,.... For want of strength to go through the work of redemption: or, "grow dim" (i) and dark, as a lamp for want of oil, or as the wick of a candle ready to go out.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail, nor be discouraged; though he be thus meek, and gentle, yet he is also courageous and resolute against all the great and many difficulties and conflicts to which he will be exposed, and will not give over till he have finished his work; or, as others render the words, He shall not be darkened (this glorious light shall not be eclipsed or obscured; or, He shall shine forth brightly and gloriously, as the LXX. render this word) nor broken by all the attempts and vigorous endeavours of his enemies who design it. Till he have set judgment in the earth; till he have published and established his law or doctrine (as this judgment is expounded in the next clause) among the nations of the earth. And this word till respects only the time past, but not the time to come, as if he would then fail, or be discouraged, when once he had set judgment on the earth; which is contrary to reason, and to other evident scriptures. And so this word is used, . The isles; the countries remote from Judea, to which God’ s law was now confined, as this word is oft used. Shall wait for his law; shall gladly receive his doctrine and commands from time to time.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

Isaiah 42:4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.Ver. 4. He shall not fail, nor be discouraged.] Non erit tristis nec turbulentus; so the Vulgate hath it. He shall be master of his passions, and keep an even state of his looks and motions, whatever befall, as they report of Socrates. He shall not knit his brows, or chide - which was Eli’ s fault, but is Christ’ s commendation - so Lud. de Dieu rendereth it. He shall not make to smoke (so Junius from Isaiah 42:3), nor shall he bruise any one. Until he have set judgment.] See on Isaiah 42:3. And the isles shall wait for his law.] Heb., Shall with desire expect his doctrine.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

(4) He shall not fail nor be discouraged . . .—Both verbs in the Hebrew point back to those of the previous verse, He shall not burn dimly nor be crushed, as if to teach that in helping others to strength and light, the servants of the Lord, after the pattern of the Servant, gain light and strength for themselves. The isles shall wait for his law.—The relation of “the servant” to the far off Gentile world is still dominant in the prophet’s mind. The LXX. Version, given in Matthew 12:21, “In His name shall the Gentiles hope,” is a paraphrase rather than a translation. The words describe the “earnest expectation,” the unconscious longing of the heathen for One who shall be a true teacher (Romans 8:22).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

Verse 4. He shall not fail nor be discouraged - "His force shall not be abated nor broken"] Rabbi Meir ita citat locum istum, ut post ירוץ yaruts, addat כוחו cocho, robur ejus, quod hodie non comparet in textu Hebraeo, sed addendum videtur, ut sensus fiat planior. "Rabbi Meir cites this passage so as to add after ירוץ yarats כוחו cocho, his force, which word is not found in the present Hebrew text, but seems necessary to be added to make the sense more distinct." Capell. Crit. Sac. p. 382. For which reason I had added it in the translation, before I observed this remark of Capellus. - L.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 42:4

4. His constancy. The words fail and be discouraged correspond in the original to “dimly burning” and “broken” in Isaiah 42:3. (See R.V. marg.) The former is used of the failing eyesight of Eli (1 Samuel 3:2); cf. Ezekiel 21:7 (R.V. marg.). for his law] his instruction (see on ch. Isaiah 1:10), his revelation of the truth. It is doubtful whether the verb of this clause should be rendered “shall wait” or “do wait.” If the latter be correct, the remarkable thought may be expressed that already the best of the heathen are dissatisfied with their religious systems and long for a purer faith.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 42:4

He shall not fail - He shall not be weak, feeble, or disheartened.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 42:4

4. He shall not fail — His work, though unshowy, shall be efficiently done; shall be everywhere extended. Set judgment — Established his religion.

Sermons on Isaiah 42:4

SermonDescription
Ron Bailey Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e
David Guzik (2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events described in 2 Samuel chapter 4. The chapter begins with the news of Abner's death, which causes Saul's son to lose heart and tro
Don Courville Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 8 by Don Courville This sermon emphasizes the importance of going to the tower, symbolizing meeting with God in prayer and seeking His guidance. It highlights the story of Habakkuk standing upon his
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of 2 Kings by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the contrasting themes of human failure and divine victory in 'The Message of 2 Kings.' He illustrates how the lost sense of God among the people led
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b
Hans R. Waldvogel Christmas Talk by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity of receiving Jesus into one's heart. He compares it to the busy Christmas season, where people are focused on material things
T. Austin-Sparks The Arm of the Lord - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God's verdict on our lives rather than relying on the opinions of others or our own judgments. He encourages listen

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