Isaiah 50:5
The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוִה֙
H3068
יְהוִה֙
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פָּתַֽח
hath opened
H6605
פָּתַֽח
hath opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 11
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֹ֔זֶן
mine ear
H241
אֹ֔זֶן
mine ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
5 of 11
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מָרִ֑יתִי
and I was not rebellious
H4784
מָרִ֑יתִי
and I was not rebellious
Strong's:
H4784
Word #:
8 of 11
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
אָח֖וֹר
back
H268
אָח֖וֹר
back
Strong's:
H268
Word #:
9 of 11
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
Cross References
John 14:31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.Hebrews 5:8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;Isaiah 35:5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.John 15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.John 8:29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.Isaiah 48:8Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.Acts 26:19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
Historical Context
Every prophet faced the temptation to quit when persecuted. The Servant's non-rebellion anticipates Jesus' Gethsemane submission ('not my will, but thine') and His refusal to avoid the cross though He could have called angels (Matthew 26:53).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas are you tempted to 'turn away back' from God's clear direction due to opposition?
- How does Christ's perfect obedience through suffering motivate your perseverance in lesser trials?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The confession 'The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious' depicts willing obedience in contrast to Israel's rebellion (48:8). The phrase 'neither turned away back' shows perseverance despite opposition. This anticipates Hebrews 5:8 - Christ 'learned obedience by the things which he suffered' - not that He was disobedient, but that His obedience was tested and proved perfect through trials.