Isaiah 41:28
For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֙רֶא֙
For I beheld
H7200
וְאֵ֙רֶא֙
For I beheld
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 9
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
אִ֔ישׁ
and there was no man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
and there was no man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
יוֹעֵ֑ץ
even among them and there was no counsellor
H3289
יוֹעֵ֑ץ
even among them and there was no counsellor
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
6 of 9
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
וְאֶשְׁאָלֵ֖ם
that when I asked
H7592
וְאֶשְׁאָלֵ֖ם
that when I asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
7 of 9
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
Historical Context
Despite Babylon's famous wise men and counselors (Daniel 1-2), none could predict or explain God's purposes. Only divine revelation, not human wisdom, comprehends God's plans.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inadequacy of human counsel drive you to seek divine wisdom?
- What does this verse teach about the limits of even the best human advice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God surveyed nations and their counselors but found 'no man...no counsellor' among them who could answer. The emphatic 'none' ('ayin') stresses the absolute absence of wisdom or understanding among false gods and their prophets. Human wisdom and divine revelation are incommensurable—incomparable categories.