King James Version

What Does Isaiah 40:14 Mean?

Isaiah 40:14 in the King James Version says “With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? instructed: Heb. made him understand understanding: Heb. understandings?”

Isaiah 40:14 · KJV

Context

12

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? a measure: Heb. a tierce

13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? his: Heb. man of his counsel

14

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? instructed: Heb. made him understand understanding: Heb. understandings?

15

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

16

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

Read Isaiah 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These rhetorical questions continue emphasizing God's self-sufficiency and aseity (existence in Himself). The Hebrew 'bin' (understanding) and 'da'at' (knowledge) distinguish between intuitive wisdom and learned knowledge—God needs neither. He is the source of all truth, making human philosophy and learning derivative and dependent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In contrast to Babylonian wisdom schools and priestly learning, Isaiah declares that God's knowledge is underived and perfect, requiring no education or consultation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's self-sufficient wisdom humble your own intellectual pride?
  2. What does it mean practically that God never learns or needs instruction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֶת1 of 12
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מִ֤י2 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

נוֹעָץ֙3 of 12

“With whom took he counsel”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

וַיְבִינֵ֔הוּ4 of 12

“and who instructed”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ5 of 12

“and taught”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

בְּאֹ֣רַח6 of 12

“him in the path”

H734

a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan

מִשְׁפָּ֑ט7 of 12

“of judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ8 of 12

“and taught”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

דַ֔עַת9 of 12

“him knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

וְדֶ֥רֶךְ10 of 12

“to him the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

תְּבוּנ֖וֹת11 of 12

“of understanding”

H8394

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

יוֹדִיעֶֽנּוּ׃12 of 12

“and shewed”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 40:14 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 40:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 21:22Colossians 2:31 Corinthians 12:4-6James 1:17

Test Your Knowledge

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