Isaiah 40:13
Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
תִכֵּ֥ן
Who hath directed
H8505
תִכֵּ֥ן
Who hath directed
Strong's:
H8505
Word #:
2 of 8
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
ר֖וּחַ
the Spirit
H7307
ר֖וּחַ
the Spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Romans 11:34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?Job 21:22Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.Luke 10:22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
Historical Context
This challenged the exiles who might question God's wisdom in allowing captivity, affirming that His purposes, though mysterious, are perfect and need no human correction.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you trying to advise God rather than trusting His superior wisdom?
- How does acknowledging God's perfect understanding help you rest in His will even when confused?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul quotes this verse in Romans 11:34 and 1 Corinthians 2:16 to emphasize God's incomprehensible wisdom. The Hebrew 'ruach' (Spirit) is parallel to God's mind/counsel, showing the Spirit's deity and role in divine knowledge. No one instructs God—He is the source of all wisdom, making human counsel or wisdom irrelevant to His plans.