King James Version

What Does Isaiah 50:5 Mean?

Isaiah 50:5 in the King James Version says “The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 50:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Read Isaiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The confession 'The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious' depicts willing obedience in contrast to Israel's rebellion (48:8). The phrase 'neither turned away back' shows perseverance despite opposition. This anticipates Hebrews 5:8 - Christ 'learned obedience by the things which he suffered' - not that He was disobedient, but that His obedience was tested and proved perfect through trials.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Every prophet faced the temptation to quit when persecuted. The Servant's non-rebellion anticipates Jesus' Gethsemane submission ('not my will, but thine') and His refusal to avoid the cross though He could have called angels (Matthew 26:53).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas are you tempted to 'turn away back' from God's clear direction due to opposition?
  2. How does Christ's perfect obedience through suffering motivate your perseverance in lesser trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֲדֹנָ֤י1 of 11

“The Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִה֙2 of 11
H3068

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

פָּתַֽח3 of 11

“hath opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

לִ֣י4 of 11
H0
אֹ֔זֶן5 of 11

“mine ear”

H241

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

וְאָנֹכִ֖י6 of 11
H595

i

לֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מָרִ֑יתִי8 of 11

“and I was not rebellious”

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אָח֖וֹר9 of 11

“back”

H268

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

לֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְסוּגֹֽתִי׃11 of 11

“neither turned away”

H5472

properly, to flinch, i.e., (by implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)

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 50:5 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 50:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 14:31Hebrews 5:8Isaiah 35:5Philippians 2:8John 8:29John 15:10

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