King James Version

What Does Isaiah 11:2 Mean?

Isaiah 11:2 in the King James Version says “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might,... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:2 · KJV


Context

1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

3

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: quick: Heb. scent or, smell

4

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. reprove: or, argue


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Spirit's sevenfold anointing of Messiah is described: the Spirit of the Lord (divine presence), wisdom and understanding (supernatural insight), counsel and might (strength and guidance), knowledge and fear of the Lord (relationship and reverence). This comprehensive anointing equips Messiah perfectly for His role. The Spirit 'resting' upon Him indicates permanent indwelling, not temporary empowerment. This prophesies Jesus's Spirit-empowerment from conception through ministry, fulfilling all righteousness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fulfilled when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at baptism (Matthew 3:16) and remained on Him throughout ministry. Jesus's wisdom amazed teachers (Luke 2:47), His counsel was perfect (John 7:46), His might evident in miracles, His knowledge of the Father complete (Matthew 11:27), His fear of the Lord demonstrated in perfect obedience. The sevenfold Spirit became a Messianic identification marker—only Jesus perfectly manifests all these qualities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Spirit's sevenfold anointing equip Jesus perfectly for His mediatorial role?
  2. What does it mean that the Spirit 'rests' on Christ permanently rather than temporarily?
  3. How do we as believers share in this Spirit through our union with Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְנָחָ֥ה1 of 14

shall rest

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

עָלָ֖יו2 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ר֥וּחַ3 of 14

And the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ר֥וּחַ5 of 14

And the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

חָכְמָ֣ה6 of 14

of wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וּבִינָ֗ה7 of 14

and understanding

H998

understanding

ר֥וּחַ8 of 14

And the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

עֵצָה֙9 of 14

of counsel

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

וּגְבוּרָ֔ה10 of 14

and might

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

ר֥וּחַ11 of 14

And the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

דַּ֖עַת12 of 14

of knowledge

H1847

knowledge

וְיִרְאַ֥ת13 of 14

and of the fear

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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