Isaiah 11:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Original Language Analysis
וַהֲרִיח֖וֹ
And shall make him of quick understanding
H7306
וַהֲרִיח֖וֹ
And shall make him of quick understanding
Strong's:
H7306
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)
בְּיִרְאַ֣ת
in the fear
H3374
בְּיִרְאַ֣ת
in the fear
Strong's:
H3374
Word #:
2 of 11
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְמַרְאֵ֤ה
after the sight
H4758
לְמַרְאֵ֤ה
after the sight
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
5 of 11
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
עֵינָיו֙
of his eyes
H5869
עֵינָיו֙
of his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יִשְׁפּ֔וֹט
and he shall not judge
H8199
יִשְׁפּ֔וֹט
and he shall not judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
7 of 11
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
John 7:24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Proverbs 2:5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.1 Kings 3:28And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.Proverbs 2:9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.1 Kings 3:9Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?2 Samuel 14:17Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.Job 12:11Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?
Historical Context
Jesus consistently demonstrated this quality during earthly ministry: seeing Nathanael's integrity (John 1:47), knowing the Samaritan woman's life (John 4:18), perceiving the Pharisees' thoughts (Matthew 12:25), and judging the righteous and wicked accurately (Matthew 25:31-46). At final judgment, Christ will judge with perfect knowledge of all hearts (Revelation 2:23), rewarding or condemning based on reality, not appearance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's ability to judge hearts rather than appearances provide comfort and warning?
- What does this teach about avoiding superficial judgments of others based on external appearances?
- How should awareness that Christ sees our hearts affect our pursuit of genuine versus superficial righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Messiah's judgment is characterized by spiritual perception, not superficial appearance. He will 'make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord'—sharp spiritual discernment rooted in reverence for God. 'He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes' means not by external appearances. 'Neither reprove after the hearing of his ears' indicates not by hearsay or reputation. Instead, His judgment penetrates to heart reality. This describes Christ's omniscient righteousness—seeing hearts, not just actions; knowing motives, not just words.