Isaiah 40:14
With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
מִ֤י
H4310
מִ֤י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 12
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
נוֹעָץ֙
With whom took he counsel
H3289
נוֹעָץ֙
With whom took he counsel
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
3 of 12
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
וַיְבִינֵ֔הוּ
and who instructed
H995
וַיְבִינֵ֔הוּ
and who instructed
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 12
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
H3925
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
בְּאֹ֣רַח
him in the path
H734
בְּאֹ֣רַח
him in the path
Strong's:
H734
Word #:
6 of 12
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
of judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
of judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
H3925
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
to him the way
H1870
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
to him the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
10 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Historical Context
In contrast to Babylonian wisdom schools and priestly learning, Isaiah declares that God's knowledge is underived and perfect, requiring no education or consultation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's self-sufficient wisdom humble your own intellectual pride?
- What does it mean practically that God never learns or needs instruction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These rhetorical questions continue emphasizing God's self-sufficiency and aseity (existence in Himself). The Hebrew 'bin' (understanding) and 'da'at' (knowledge) distinguish between intuitive wisdom and learned knowledge—God needs neither. He is the source of all truth, making human philosophy and learning derivative and dependent.