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Isaiah 41:28

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For I beheld, and [there was] no man; even among them, and [there was] no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

For I beheld {H7200}, and there was no man {H376}; even among them, and there was no counsellor {H3289}, that, when I asked {H7592} of them, could answer {H7725} a word {H1697}.

But when I look around, there is no one - not a single one can give counsel, who, when I ask, can give an answer.

When I look, there is no one; there is no counselor among them; when I ask them, they have nothing to say.

And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.

Commentary

Isaiah 41:28 captures God's assessment after challenging the false gods and their followers to demonstrate any knowledge of the future or ability to act decisively. It highlights the utter failure of idols compared to the sovereign power and foresight of the true God.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) where God is contrasting His power and unique ability to predict and control history with the impotence of the idols worshipped by other nations and even by some Israelites. God challenges these idols to show proof of their divinity by declaring things to come (Isaiah 41:22). Verse 28 is the result of this challenge – a declaration that none could meet it, revealing their emptiness.

Key Themes

  • The Impotence of Idols: This verse starkly shows that idols are nothing; they cannot see, speak, or provide guidance.
  • God's Unique Knowledge and Power: By contrast, the true God knows the end from the beginning and acts according to His will (Isaiah 46:10).
  • Lack of True Counsel Apart from God: No human or spiritual entity outside of God could offer genuine insight or answer God's challenge.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's absolute authority and control over history and future events.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "counsellor" is the Hebrew word מְיַעֵץ (meya'ets), meaning one who gives counsel or advice. The phrase "answer a word" (literally "bring back a word") emphasizes their complete inability to respond meaningfully or authoritatively to God's test.

Reflection and Application

In a world filled with competing voices and sources of advice, Isaiah 41:28 serves as a powerful reminder of where true wisdom and reliable guidance are found. Just as ancient idols were empty, many modern sources of counsel prove futile when faced with the ultimate questions of life, destiny, and truth. This verse encourages us to seek counsel from God, who alone possesses the knowledge and power to truly guide us and direct our paths according to His perfect plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 63:5 (4 votes)

    And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

  • Daniel 4:7 (2 votes)

    Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

  • Daniel 4:8 (2 votes)

    But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name [was] Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom [is] the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, [saying],

  • Daniel 2:10 (2 votes)

    The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore [there is] no king, lord, nor ruler, [that] asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

  • Daniel 2:11 (2 votes)

    And [it is] a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

  • Isaiah 40:13 (2 votes)

    Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?

  • Isaiah 40:14 (2 votes)

    With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?