Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Original Language Analysis
נָ֤תַן
hath given
H5414
נָ֤תַן
hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְשׁ֣וֹן
me the tongue
H3956
לְשׁ֣וֹן
me the tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
5 of 19
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
לָדַ֛עַת
that I should know
H3045
לָדַ֛עַת
that I should know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָעֵ֖ף
in season to him that is weary
H3287
יָעֵ֖ף
in season to him that is weary
Strong's:
H3287
Word #:
10 of 19
fatigued; figuratively, exhausted
דָּבָ֑ר
a word
H1697
דָּבָ֑ר
a word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
by morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
by morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
by morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר
by morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
אֹ֔זֶן
mine ear
H241
אֹ֔זֶן
mine ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
17 of 19
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
Cross References
Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.Jeremiah 1:9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.Proverbs 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.Psalms 119:147I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Psalms 143:8Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.Psalms 5:3My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Matthew 13:54And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?Luke 4:22And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
Historical Context
Isaiah received this prophetic gifting, but Jesus perfectly embodies this - His words uniquely comforted the burdened (Matthew 11:28) while confounding the proud. The daily 'wakening' shows that even God incarnate maintained dependent communion with Father.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus speak 'a word in season' to your weary soul through Scripture and Spirit?
- What does Jesus' daily communion with Father teach about your need for morning devotion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Servant's claim 'The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned' describes His teaching ministry with divine authority. The purpose 'that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary' shows pastoral care for the exhausted. The daily empowerment 'he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned' depicts continual divine instruction, anticipating Jesus' practice of pre-dawn prayer (Mark 1:35).