Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes God's personal delight and endorsement of His servant, highlighting that the servant isn't just chosen but is the object of God's deep satisfaction and affirmation. This personal connection underscores the divine investment in the servant's mission, setting the stage for the radical work of bringing justice to all nations.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage marks a shift in Isaiah's prophecy from focusing on Israel's immediate situation and God's sovereignty to introducing a new central figure. Following the declarations of God's power and the promise of deliverance through Cyrus, this verse presents God's "Servant" as the ultimate agent of His will. The verses immediately following will elaborate on this Servant's unique character and mission, highlighting his gentle approach and eventual success in bringing justice to the nations.
The opening of Isaiah 42 is a divine announcement, a spotlight on someone incredibly significant. What does God's direct affirmation reveal about this Servant?
The verse begins with a powerful command: "Behold!" This isn't just a casual observation; it's an invitation to pause and pay attention to someone of utmost importance.
This Servant isn't just for one nation or group. The mission extends outward, carrying a crucial message to the entire world. What is this mission, and why is it so significant?
The verse culminates with the Servant's profound purpose:
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
An individual appointed by God to perform a specific mission or service. In this context, it refers to the Messiah, the Suffering Servant who fulfills God's redemptive plan through obedience and humility.
bachir · Hebrew Adjective
One selected or chosen by God for a specific purpose or status. Being chosen implies divine initiation, favor, and intentionality in accomplishing God’s sovereign will.
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active power of God in the world. The Spirit is given to empower the Servant for his mission, representing divine presence and authority.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Righteousness in action or the administration of God's perfect moral standard. It involves making things right, vindicating the oppressed, and establishing order according to God’s law.
goyim · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the non-Israelite nations or peoples of the world. The biblical scope of salvation is universal, extending God’s justice and blessing beyond the boundaries of Israel.
This prophecy of God's Servant emerged during the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound national crisis and spiritual introspection for Judah. The exiles grappled with God's faithfulness and their own unfaithfulness, leading to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and a redefinition of His people's mission.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Isaiah prophesied the inviolability of Jerusalem during this siege, emphasizing God's faithfulness to Zion and His people.
c. 621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
King Josiah led a religious reformation based on the rediscovered Law, purging idolatry and centralizing worship.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Victory at Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar's victory marked the rise of Babylon as the dominant world power, leading to Judah's subjugation and eventual deportation.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deported a significant portion of Judah's elite, including prophets like Ezekiel, to Babylon following Jehoiakim's rebellion.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
After a prolonged siege and Zedekiah's failed escape attempt, Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, its Temple, and deported most of the remaining population, completing the exile.
c. 550 BC
Cyrus the Great's Rise to Power
Cyrus the Great began his conquests, uniting the Medes and Persians and setting the stage for his future conquest of Babylon and the release of the exiles.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, fulfilling prophecies and enabling the return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland.
This verse directly echoes Isaiah's description, with God declaring, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,' highlighting the divine approval and relationship with the Servant.
Matthew 12:18The New Testament explicitly quotes this passage from Isaiah, applying it to Jesus and His mission: 'Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased; I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.'
Acts 26:18This passage describes the mission Jesus gave to Paul, which aligns with the Servant's purpose: 'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified.'
John 3:34This verse emphasizes the unique bestowal of the Spirit upon Jesus, mirroring Isaiah's statement: 'For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.'
Isaiah 49:6This passage further clarifies the Servant's mission beyond Israel, stating He will be 'a light to the Gentiles, and for salvation to the ends of the earth,' directly expanding on the theme introduced in Isaiah 42:1.
barnesIsaiah 42:1: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
Behold - This word is designed to call attention to the person that is immediately referred to. It is an intimation that the subject is of importance, and should command their regard. My servant - This phrase denotes properly anyone who acknowledges or worships God; anyone who is regarded as serving or obeying him. It is a term wh…
cambridgeIsaiah 42:1: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
1 . The election, equipment, and mission of the Servant. Behold my servant ] LXX. reads Ἰακὼβ ὁ παῖς μου (“Jacob my servant”) and in the next line, Ἰσραὴλ ὁ ἐκλεκτός μου (“Israel my chosen”). whom I uphold ] Cf. ch. Isaiah 41:10 . mine elect ] R.V. my chosen . Used of Israel ch. Isaiah 43:20 , Isaiah 45:4 ; cf. the verb in Isaiah…
The verse emphasizes God's personal delight and endorsement of His servant, highlighting that the servant isn't just chosen but is the object of God's deep satisfaction and affirmation. This personal connection underscores the divine investment in the servant's mission, setting the stage for the radical work of bringing justice to all nations.
This passage marks a shift in Isaiah's prophecy from focusing on Israel's immediate situation and God's sovereignty to introducing a new central figure. Following the declarations of God's power and the promise of deliverance through Cyrus, this verse presents God's "Servant" as the ultimate agent of His will. The verses immediately following will elaborate on this Servant's unique character and mission, highlighting his gentle approach and eventual success in bringing justice to the nations.
This passage marks a shift in Isaiah's prophecy from focusing on Israel's immediate situation and God's sovereignty to introducing a new central figure. Following the declarations of God's power and the promise of deliverance through Cyrus, this verse presents God's "Servant" as the ultimate agent of His will. The verses immediately following will elaborate on this Servant's unique character and mission, highlighting his gentle approach and eventual success in bringing justice to the nations.
"Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations." — The verse emphasizes God's personal delight and endorsement of His servant, highlighting that the servant isn't just chosen but is the object of God's deep satisfaction and affirmation. This person…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026