Isaiah 11:2
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;
Original Language Analysis
וְנָחָ֥ה
shall rest
H5117
וְנָחָ֥ה
shall rest
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
1 of 14
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
3 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
5 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
8 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וּגְבוּרָ֔ה
and might
H1369
וּגְבוּרָ֔ה
and might
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
10 of 14
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
And the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
11 of 14
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.Isaiah 48:16Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.1 Corinthians 1:30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Spirit's sevenfold anointing equip Jesus perfectly for His mediatorial role?
- What does it mean that the Spirit 'rests' on Christ permanently rather than temporarily?
- How do we as believers share in this Spirit through our union with Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.