The verse isn't just announcing a savior; it's highlighting God's intimate delight and active support for this "chosen servant." This isn't a detached divine decree, but a deeply personal endorsement, emphasizing God's pleasure and His direct empowerment through the Spirit for the monumental task ahead.
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; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage introduces God's Servant, presenting Him as divinely chosen, upheld, and empowered by the Spirit. The immediate context sets the stage for this Servant's mission to bring justice and divine "judgment"—understood as God's righteous order or truth—to all the nations, not just Israel. This sets a new direction after the preceding chapters focused on God's sovereignty and Israel's restoration, shifting the focus to the Servant's universal role in God's plan.
God doesn't just state His servant's qualifications; He declares His delight and empowerment. What does this reveal about God's perspective?
In this opening verse, God the Father speaks about His Servant with profound affirmation. He calls him 'my servant, whom I uphold' and 'my chosen, in whom my soul delights.' This isn't just a job description; it's a declaration of divine pleasure and support.
This divine affirmation assures us that the Servant is fully equipped and endorsed by God Himself for His mission.
It's not enough to be chosen; the Servant is divinely equipped for a specific, far-reaching task. What is this task, and why is it so significant?
The verse continues, 'I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.' This highlights the equipping and the mission of the Servant.
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.
qaneh · Hebrew Noun
A common biblical metaphor for those who are weak, fragile, or broken by sin, suffering, or circumstances. God’s grace is uniquely demonstrated in his care for the vulnerable rather than destroying them.
This verse, speaking of a chosen Servant who will bring justice to the nations, was revealed during the Babylonian Exile. The context of Israel's destruction and scattering highlights the profound hope placed in this future Servant who would ultimately bring God's justice and salvation to all peoples, not just Israel.
c. 701 BC
Siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib
Isaiah prophesies the inviolability of Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege. The city is miraculously saved, reinforcing the belief in Zion's divine protection.
c. 621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
Josiah's religious reforms begin after the discovery of the Book of the Law. This leads to a period of renewed devotion and national confidence.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon decisively defeats Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This marks the rise of Babylonian dominance in the region, shifting the geopolitical landscape.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Following a siege, Nebuchadnezzar deports Jehoiakim, members of the royal family, elites, and skilled workers from Jerusalem to Babylon.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
After a prolonged siege and rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple. The remaining population is exiled to Babylon, marking the end of the Judean kingdom.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great of Persia begins his rise to power, conquering the Medes and preparing to challenge the Babylonian Empire.
This New Testament passage directly quotes Isaiah 42:1, explicitly identifying Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy concerning God's servant.
Acts 26:17-18Paul alludes to the mission of God's servant described in Isaiah, stating he was sent to open the eyes of the Gentiles and turn them from darkness to light, mirroring the Servant's purpose.
John 3:34This verse highlights that God gave the Spirit to Jesus without measure, directly connecting to Isaiah's statement that the Spirit was put upon His servant.
Isaiah 49:6This passage further describes the Servant's mission as bringing salvation to the ends of the earth and being a light to the Gentiles, elaborating on the theme introduced in Isaiah 42:1.
Psalm 2:7The Father's declaration, 'You are my Son; today I have become your Father,' echoes the sense of divine delight and affirmation found in Isaiah's description of God's chosen servant.
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 isn't just announcing a savior; it's highlighting God's intimate delight and active support for this "chosen servant." This isn't a detached divine decree, but a deeply personal endorsement, emphasizing God's pleasure and His direct empowerment through the Spirit for the monumental task ahead.
This passage introduces God's Servant, presenting Him as divinely chosen, upheld, and empowered by the Spirit. The immediate context sets the stage for this Servant's mission to bring justice and divine "judgment"—understood as God's righteous order or truth—to all the nations, not just Israel. This sets a new direction after the preceding chapters focused on God's sovereignty and Israel's restoration, shifting the focus to the Servant's universal role in God's plan.
This passage introduces God's Servant, presenting Him as divinely chosen, upheld, and empowered by the Spirit. The immediate context sets the stage for this Servant's mission to bring justice and divine "judgment"—understood as God's righteous order or truth—to all the nations, not just Israel. This sets a new direction after the preceding chapters focused on God's sovereignty and Israel's restoration, shifting the focus to the Servant's universal role in God's plan.
"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…" — The verse isn't just announcing a savior; it's highlighting God's intimate delight and active support for this "chosen servant." This isn't a detached divine decree, but a deeply personal endorsement…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
