Isaiah 42:4
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִכְהֶה֙
He shall not fail
H3543
יִכְהֶה֙
He shall not fail
Strong's:
H3543
Word #:
2 of 11
to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָר֔וּץ
nor be discouraged
H7533
יָר֔וּץ
nor be discouraged
Strong's:
H7533
Word #:
4 of 11
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יָשִׂ֥ים
till he have set
H7760
יָשִׂ֥ים
till he have set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּלְתוֹרָת֖וֹ
for his law
H8451
וּלְתוֹרָת֖וֹ
for his law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
9 of 11
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Isaiah 55:5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.Genesis 49:10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.Isaiah 9:7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.Matthew 12:21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.Isaiah 60:9Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.Isaiah 42:12Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.Isaiah 66:19And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.Zechariah 2:11And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.
Historical Context
This prophesies Christ's persistence through suffering to accomplish redemption. Though He faced opposition, betrayal, and crucifixion, He completed His mission, now extending His kingdom worldwide through the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's unfailing endurance encourage you when you feel like giving up?
- What does it mean that distant nations await His teaching and law?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Servant will not fail ('kahah'—grow dim/discouraged) or be discouraged ('ratsats'—crushed/broken) until He establishes justice on earth. The same words used for weak humans in verse 3 are applied to Him—but negated. Where we fail, He perseveres. The 'isles shall wait for his law' indicates global scope.