King James Version

What Does Isaiah 50:4 Mean?

Isaiah 50:4 in the King James Version says “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is we...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”

Isaiah 50:4 · KJV

Context

2

Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

3

I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

4

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

5

The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Read Isaiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Servant's claim 'The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned' describes His teaching ministry with divine authority. The purpose 'that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary' shows pastoral care for the exhausted. The daily empowerment 'he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned' depicts continual divine instruction, anticipating Jesus' practice of pre-dawn prayer (Mark 1:35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah received this prophetic gifting, but Jesus perfectly embodies this - His words uniquely comforted the burdened (Matthew 11:28) while confounding the proud. The daily 'wakening' shows that even God incarnate maintained dependent communion with Father.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus speak 'a word in season' to your weary soul through Scripture and Spirit?
  2. What does Jesus' daily communion with Father teach about your need for morning devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֲדֹנָ֣י1 of 19

“The Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֗ה2 of 19

“GOD”

H3069

god

נָ֤תַן3 of 19

“hath given”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִי֙4 of 19
H0
לְשׁ֣וֹן5 of 19

“me the tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

כַּלִּמּוּדִֽים׃6 of 19

“as the learned”

H3928

instructed

לָדַ֛עַת7 of 19

“that I should know”

H3045

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

לָע֥וּת8 of 19

“how to speak”

H5790

to hasten, i.e., succor

אֶת9 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יָעֵ֖ף10 of 19

“in season to him that is weary”

H3287

fatigued; figuratively, exhausted

דָּבָ֑ר11 of 19

“a word”

H1697

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

יָעִ֥יר12 of 19

“he wakeneth”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר13 of 19

“by morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בַּבֹּ֗קֶר14 of 19

“by morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

יָעִ֥יר15 of 19

“he wakeneth”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

לִי֙16 of 19
H0
אֹ֔זֶן17 of 19

“mine ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ18 of 19

“to hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כַּלִּמּוּדִֽים׃19 of 19

“as the learned”

H3928

instructed

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 50:4 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 50:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 21:15Jeremiah 1:9John 7:15-17Exodus 4:11-12Proverbs 25:11Proverbs 15:23

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