This verse isn't just declaring God's chosen servant; it's setting the stage for the Servant's unique approach. Notice the emphasis on how the Servant will not operate: "He will not cry out, nor raise his voice, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street." This highlights a quiet, humble strength, contrasting with the boastful or aggressive methods often seen in the world. It's a powerful clue that this Servant's mission will be accomplished through patient, unwavering dedication, not through clamor or force.
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. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from addressing the exilic community and their hope for deliverance by Cyrus to introducing a new, central figure. The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, introduces this "servant" as chosen and upheld by God, filled with His Spirit, and destined to bring justice to all nations. This establishes a divine commission for this servant, setting the stage for the detailed unfolding of his mission in the subsequent verses.
The very heart of God finds joy and pleasure in this particular servant. What does this say about the nature of God's love and approval?
The verse opens with a powerful declaration of God's affirmation: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights." This isn't just a casual endorsement; it's a profound statement of divine pleasure.
This servant is uniquely equipped. What is the source of his power, and to whom is he sent?
The equipping and mission of this servant are central to God's plan, extending far beyond a single nation:
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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 verse, spoken during the Babylonian exile, introduces a 'Servant' who is distinguished from both the nation of Israel and historical figures like Cyrus. The context of exile, with its loss of national identity and intense spiritual reflection, shapes the understanding of this Servant as a unique individual chosen by God to bring justice and salvation to all nations, a figure later understood by Christians to be Jesus Christ.
c. 701 BC
Jerusalem's Assyrian Siege
Isaiah prophesies Jerusalem's inviolability during the Assyrian siege, a message of hope that affirmed the city's divine protection.
c. 621 BC
Josiah's Reforms and Law Discovery
Josiah enacts religious reforms based on the rediscovered Book of the Law, aiming to centralize worship and purify the land from idolatry.
609 BC
Josiah's Death at Megiddo
King Josiah is killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt, a devastating blow that shattered the nation's confidence and led to religious and political instability.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the Judean elite, including the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon.
587/586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This marks the end of the Davidic monarchy and the completion of the Babylonian exile.
c. 550 BC
Cyrus the Great's Rise
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, begins his conquests, eventually leading to the fall of Babylon and the return of the exiles to Judah.
This passage directly quotes Isaiah 42:1, applying it to Jesus and highlighting His role as God's chosen servant who brings salvation.
John 3:34This verse echoes Isaiah's statement about the Spirit being placed upon the servant, emphasizing that God gives the Spirit without measure to Jesus.
Acts 26:18Paul's testimony reflects the mission described in Isaiah 42:1, speaking of opening eyes, turning people from darkness to light, and bringing them forgiveness through faith in Christ.
Romans 15:9This verse expands on the servant's mission to the Gentiles mentioned in Isaiah 42:1, showing how Jesus came to bring praise to God among the nations.
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…
This verse isn't just declaring God's chosen servant; it's setting the stage for the Servant's unique approach. Notice the emphasis on how the Servant will not operate: "He will not cry out, nor raise his voice, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street." This highlights a quiet, humble strength, contrasting with the boastful or aggressive methods often seen in the world. It's a powerful clue that this Servant's mission will be accomplished through patient, unwavering dedication, not through clamor or force.
This verse marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from addressing the exilic community and their hope for deliverance by Cyrus to introducing a new, central figure. The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, introduces this "servant" as chosen and upheld by God, filled with His Spirit, and destined to bring justice to all nations. This establishes a divine commission for this servant, setting the stage for the detailed unfolding of his mission in the subsequent verses.
This verse marks a significant shift in Isaiah's prophecy, moving from addressing the exilic community and their hope for deliverance by Cyrus to introducing a new, central figure. The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, introduces this "servant" as chosen and upheld by God, filled with His Spirit, and destined to bring justice to all nations. This establishes a divine commission for this servant, setting the stage for the detailed unfolding of his mission in the subsequent verses.
"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. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in t…" — This verse isn't just declaring God's chosen servant; it's setting the stage for the Servant's unique approach. Notice the emphasis on how the Servant will not operate: "He will not cry out, nor…
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Last reviewed October 2026
