Isaiah 42:5
Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הָאֵ֣ל׀
God
H410
הָאֵ֣ל׀
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
3 of 17
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בּוֹרֵ֤א
he that created
H1254
בּוֹרֵ֤א
he that created
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
5 of 17
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
the heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
6 of 17
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וְנ֣וֹטֵיהֶ֔ם
and stretched them out
H5186
וְנ֣וֹטֵיהֶ֔ם
and stretched them out
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
7 of 17
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
רֹקַ֥ע
he that spread forth
H7554
רֹקַ֥ע
he that spread forth
Strong's:
H7554
Word #:
8 of 17
to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)
וְצֶאֱצָאֶ֑יהָ
and that which cometh out
H6631
וְצֶאֱצָאֶ֑יהָ
and that which cometh out
Strong's:
H6631
Word #:
10 of 17
issue, i.e., produce, children
נֹתֵ֤ן
of it he that giveth
H5414
נֹתֵ֤ן
of it he that giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְשָׁמָה֙
breath
H5397
נְשָׁמָה֙
breath
Strong's:
H5397
Word #:
12 of 17
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
לָעָ֣ם
unto the people
H5971
לָעָ֣ם
unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְר֖וּחַ
upon it and spirit
H7307
וְר֖וּחַ
upon it and spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
15 of 17
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Isaiah 40:22It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:Isaiah 45:12I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.Jeremiah 10:12He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.Isaiah 48:13Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.Isaiah 44:24Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Jeremiah 32:17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:Isaiah 45:18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.Psalms 33:6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.Job 33:4The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
Historical Context
This prefaces the Servant's calling with God's authority, showing that the mission described flows from the Creator's sovereign purpose. The same God who creates and sustains life appoints and empowers the Servant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as Creator strengthen trust in His promises and callings?
- What does God's gift of breath and spirit to humanity reveal about His sustaining care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's self-identification emphasizes His credentials as Creator: He created the heavens, spread forth the earth, gives breath to people and spirit to those who walk on it. The Hebrew 'bara' (create) and 'nathan' (give) establish God's absolute authority. The Creator's covenant guarantees are backed by His unlimited power.