Isaiah 11:2

KJV

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} shall rest {H5117} upon him, the spirit {H7307} of wisdom {H2451} and understanding {H998}, the spirit {H7307} of counsel {H6098} and might {H1369}, the spirit {H7307} of knowledge {H1847} and of the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit of ADONAI will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fearing ADONAI

Berean Standard Bible

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:2 is a profound messianic prophecy that meticulously describes the divine anointing and comprehensive character of the coming "Branch from Jesse" mentioned in the preceding verse. It portrays the future King as uniquely empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, possessing an unparalleled combination of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a deep reverence for God. This verse paints a portrait of the ideal, divinely-qualified ruler whose reign would be marked by perfect righteousness, discernment, and power, foundational to the hope of Israel and the ultimate redemption of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11:2 stands as the immediate continuation and elaboration of the messianic vision introduced in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"). Verse 1 prophesies the emergence of a "rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots," a clear and foundational reference to the Messiah's Davidic lineage, specifically from the humble origins of Jesse, King David's father. This imagery of new growth from a seemingly cut-down stump offers a powerful symbol of hope and divine restoration after a period of judgment or decline. Isaiah 11:2 then immediately details the spiritual endowment that will qualify this Branch for His unprecedented reign, moving from His origin to His character and empowerment. This section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12) is often referred to as the "Book of Immanuel" or "Little Apocalypse," focusing on prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the glorious future kingdom, providing a stark contrast to the political and spiritual failures of Judah's contemporary kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered during a tumultuous period for Judah (8th century BCE), marked by political instability, Assyrian threats, and widespread spiritual apostasy among God's people. The Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")) promised an eternal dynasty, yet the kings of Isaiah's day often failed to live up to God's standards, leading to injustice and oppression. In this context, the expectation of a righteous, divinely-empowered king from David's line was a profound source of hope. The concept of the "Spirit of the LORD" resting upon an individual was understood as a special anointing for specific tasks, empowering prophets, priests, and kings ([Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the LORD on Othniel"); [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - The Spirit of the LORD on David")). However, the comprehensive and abiding nature of the Spirit's presence described in Isaiah 11:2 for the Messiah was unprecedented, signifying a unique and perfect divine enablement.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 11:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Expectation**, detailing the character and qualifications of the promised deliverer who will establish God's righteous kingdom. It emphasizes **Divine Empowerment**, highlighting that the Messiah's authority and ability to rule will stem directly from the abiding presence of the Spirit of the LORD, not from human strength or wisdom. The verse also underscores the theme of **Righteous Rule and Justice**, as the attributes of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might are essential for a king who will govern justly and bring about true peace. Finally, the inclusion of "knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" points to the theme of **True Piety and Obedience**, suggesting that the Messiah's perfect governance will be rooted in an intimate, reverent relationship with God, a concept deeply echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge") and [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This term refers to wind, breath, or a sensible exhalation, but more significantly, it denotes the animating principle, life, or the rational being itself. In a theological context, as here, it refers to the divine Spirit of God, the active presence and power of the LORD. Its resting upon the Messiah signifies an abiding, empowering, and indwelling presence, setting Him apart for His unique role.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nûwach'_):** This verb implies settling down, remaining, or abiding. When applied to the Spirit, it indicates a permanent, indwelling presence rather than a temporary anointing for a specific task. This contrasts with the Spirit's sporadic empowering of Old Testament figures, suggesting a unique and complete union between the Spirit and the Messiah.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** While often translated as "fear," in this context, it carries the profound meaning of reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's authority and will. It is not a cowering terror but a deep, worshipful respect that acknowledges God's sovereignty and holiness. This "fear of the LORD" is consistently presented in Scripture as the foundation of true wisdom and knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him":** This foundational clause establishes the divine source of the Messiah's empowerment. The "Spirit of the LORD" (YHWH) is God's active, personal presence, and its "resting" upon the Messiah signifies a permanent, indwelling, and empowering anointing, setting Him apart as uniquely qualified for His redemptive mission and perfect reign. This is not a temporary endowment but an abiding presence.
* **"the spirit of wisdom and understanding":** These two attributes speak to the Messiah's intellectual and discerning capabilities. "Wisdom" (_chokmâh_) refers to practical skill, discernment, and the ability to apply knowledge rightly in real-life situations, particularly in governance and judgment. "Understanding" (_bîynâh_) denotes keen insight, comprehension, and the ability to grasp complex truths and distinguish between right and wrong. Together, they ensure His perfect judgment and flawless decision-making.
* **"the spirit of counsel and might":** This pair highlights the Messiah's strategic and executive abilities. "Counsel" (_ʻêtsâh_) implies the ability to give perfect advice, formulate wise plans, and guide others with flawless strategy. "Might" (_gᵉbûwrâh_) signifies inherent strength, valor, and the power to execute God's will effectively, overcome all opposition, and enforce righteous judgment. These attributes equip Him for effective leadership and victorious action.
* **"the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD":** This final pair speaks to the Messiah's intimate relationship with God and His moral character. "Knowledge" (_daʻath_) refers to deep, experiential knowing, an intimate acquaintance with God's nature, will, and ways. "The fear of the LORD" (_yirʼâh Yᵉhôvâh_) is not terror, but profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's authority. This reverential fear is presented as the very foundation of all true wisdom and knowledge, ensuring the Messiah's perfect alignment with the divine will and His unwavering devotion to God.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:2 is rich in **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "the spirit of" at the beginning of successive clauses. This emphasizes the singular source of all these attributes – the Spirit of the LORD – while also highlighting the multifaceted nature of the Spirit's anointing. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Antithetical Parallelism** by pairing attributes (wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the LORD). These pairs often complement each other, with one term reinforcing or expanding upon the other, creating a comprehensive and holistic picture of the Messiah's character. The entire verse functions as a form of **Enumeration**, systematically listing the distinct yet interconnected qualities that define the Messiah's divine empowerment, building a cumulative sense of His perfection and qualification for His role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:2 serves as a pivotal Old Testament text for understanding the person and work of the Messiah, particularly His unique relationship with the Holy Spirit. It foreshadows the comprehensive anointing that would equip Him not only for righteous judgment and powerful leadership but also for perfect obedience and intimate communion with God. This divine endowment contrasts sharply with the flawed human kings of Israel's past, pointing to a future ruler who would perfectly embody God's character and execute His will. The six attributes described are not merely human virtues but Spirit-given capacities, revealing the depth of the Messiah's divine nature and His absolute qualification to establish God's kingdom of justice and peace. This prophecy lays the groundwork for the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One, who perfectly fulfills these expectations.

* [Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus at His Baptism")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus Proclaims His Anointing from Isaiah 61:1")
* [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 11:2 offers profound comfort and hope to believers today, assuring us that our Savior, Jesus Christ, rules with absolute wisdom, understanding, and power. His judgment is always righteous, His counsel flawless, and His might irresistible. This verse reminds us that the foundation of true leadership and life is a deep, reverential "fear of the LORD," which underpins all other virtues. While we do not possess the Spirit in the same measure as Christ, we are called to walk in the Spirit and seek His guidance in our lives. We are encouraged to cultivate wisdom, understanding, and knowledge rooted in God's truth, and above all, to grow in a profound reverence for Him. This passage invites us to rely on Christ's perfect reign, trust in His divine attributes, and pray for the Spirit's work in our own hearts, enabling us to reflect His character and live in obedient submission to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the Spirit's anointing on the Messiah in Isaiah 11:2 deepen your understanding of Jesus' perfect qualification for His role?**
* **In what ways can believers today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, seek to grow in wisdom, understanding, counsel, and knowledge, even if not to the same degree as Christ?**
* **What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean in your daily life, and how does cultivating it impact your decision-making and relationship with God?**
* **How does the promise of a perfectly righteous ruler in this verse provide hope in a world often marked by flawed and unjust leadership?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "spirit of the LORD" resting upon the Messiah?**

Answer: The phrase "the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him" signifies a unique and abiding divine anointing. Unlike the temporary endowments of the Spirit on Old Testament figures for specific tasks (e.g., Samson's strength in [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the LORD on Samson")), this describes a permanent, indwelling presence. It means the Messiah is uniquely and perfectly qualified by God's own Spirit for His mission as King, Prophet, and Priest, possessing all the necessary attributes for righteous rule and redemptive work. It underscores His divine nature and perfect union with God's will.

**Are the six attributes mentioned distinct spirits, or aspects of one Spirit?**

Answer: The six attributes—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD—are not distinct spirits, but rather various manifestations or facets of the one "Spirit of the LORD" (Hebrew: _rûwach Yᵉhôvâh_). The repetition of "the spirit of" emphasizes that all these qualities originate from and are empowered by the same divine Spirit. They describe the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the Messiah's anointing, showcasing the perfection and completeness of His character and capabilities. This is consistent with the biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit as one divine person with diverse operations and gifts, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity of Spirit").

**How does "the fear of the LORD" relate to wisdom and knowledge?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "the fear of the LORD" is consistently presented as the foundation and beginning of true wisdom and knowledge. It is not a cowering terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and sovereignty. This reverential fear leads to obedience, discernment, and a proper understanding of one's place before God. As [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom") states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." For the Messiah, this means His perfect wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might are all rooted in His perfect and intimate relationship with and submission to God the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:2 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him "like a dove, and lighted upon him" ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - The Holy Spirit Descends on Jesus")), signifying the public inauguration of His ministry and the fulfillment of this prophecy of the Spirit resting upon Him. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus perfectly exemplified all six attributes. His teachings demonstrated unparalleled [wisdom and understanding](/luke/2-47 "Luke 2:47 - Jesus' Understanding in the Temple"), astounding even the most learned scholars. His parables and sermons offered divine [counsel](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Jesus' Wise Counsel on Building on the Rock") that transcended human philosophy. He displayed incredible [might](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus") over sickness, demons, and even death, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, where "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." His intimate [knowledge](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - Jesus Knows the Father and is Known by the Father") of the Father was unique, as He declared, "No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" ([Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - No One Knows the Father Except the Son")). Finally, His entire life was characterized by a perfect [fear of the LORD](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus' Obedience and Reverence"), a humble and obedient submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Jesus is the Branch from Jesse, the Anointed One, in whom the Spirit of the LORD rested fully and without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit to Jesus")), perfectly embodying the divine qualifications for the Messiah.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

John 16:13

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Ephesians 1:17

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Isaiah 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.

Matthew 3:16

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: