King James Version

What Does Isaiah 41:28 Mean?

Isaiah 41:28 in the King James Version says “For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word. answer: Heb. return”

Isaiah 41:28 · KJV

Context

26

Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

27

The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

28

For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word. answer: Heb. return

29

Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

Read Isaiah 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God surveyed nations and their counselors but found 'no man...no counsellor' among them who could answer. The emphatic 'none' ('ayin') stresses the absolute absence of wisdom or understanding among false gods and their prophets. Human wisdom and divine revelation are incommensurable—incomparable categories.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite Babylon's famous wise men and counselors (Daniel 1-2), none could predict or explain God's purposes. Only divine revelation, not human wisdom, comprehends God's plans.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inadequacy of human counsel drive you to seek divine wisdom?
  2. What does this verse teach about the limits of even the best human advice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאֵ֙רֶא֙1 of 9

“For I beheld”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְאֵ֣ין2 of 9
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אִ֔ישׁ3 of 9

“and there was no man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּמֵאֵ֖לֶּה4 of 9
H428

these or those

וְאֵ֣ין5 of 9
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יוֹעֵ֑ץ6 of 9

“even among them and there was no counsellor”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

וְאֶשְׁאָלֵ֖ם7 of 9

“that when I asked”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וְיָשִׁ֥יבוּ8 of 9

“of them could answer”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

דָבָֽר׃9 of 9

“a word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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 41:28 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 41:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 63:5Isaiah 59:16Daniel 2:10-11Isaiah 50:2Isaiah 40:13-14Daniel 4:7-8

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