Isaiah 11:4

KJV

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

But with righteousness {H6664} shall he judge {H8199} the poor {H1800}, and reprove {H3198} with equity {H4334} for the meek {H6035} of the earth {H776}: and he shall smite {H5221} the earth {H776} with the rod {H7626} of his mouth {H6310}, and with the breath {H7307} of his lips {H8193} shall he slay {H4191} the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but he will judge the impoverished justly; he will decide fairly for the humble of the land. He will strike the land with a rod from his mouth and slay the wicked with a breath from his lips.

Berean Standard Bible

but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

American Standard Version

but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 11:4 presents a profound prophetic declaration concerning the Messiah's righteous reign and the transformative power of His divine judgment. It portrays a king who judges with perfect integrity, upholding the cause of the vulnerable and oppressed, while simultaneously executing swift and decisive judgment upon the wicked. This verse highlights the absolute authority and efficacy of the Messiah's spoken word, which acts as the instrument of both justice and destruction, establishing a kingdom founded on equity and truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 11 opens with the powerful imagery of a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Shoot from Jesse's Stump"), immediately establishing the Davidic lineage of the coming Messiah despite the apparent desolation of Israel's royal line. Verses 2-3 meticulously describe the sevenfold anointing of the Spirit upon this Branch—the Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. These attributes are not merely personal virtues but are directly linked to His capacity to judge righteously. Verse 4 then serves as the direct consequence and manifestation of these Spirit-empowered qualities, detailing *how* He will exercise His reign, particularly in judgment and justice, setting the stage for the idyllic peace of His kingdom described in verses 6-9.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 11 arises from a period of political instability and moral decay in Judah, characterized by unjust rulers and social oppression. Kings often judged based on personal gain, bribery, or outward appearance, neglecting the poor and the marginalized. The "earth" (`H776 'erets`) in this context refers not only to the physical land but also to its inhabitants and the prevailing societal order. The imagery of a "rod" (`H7626 shêbeṭ`) was culturally significant, representing both a shepherd's staff (for guidance and protection) and a king's scepter (for authority and judgment). The expectation of a righteous king who would restore justice was deeply ingrained in Israelite hope, contrasting sharply with the corrupt leadership often experienced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **Messianic Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that the Messiah's rule will be characterized by perfect equity, unlike human kings who are prone to error and corruption. He will not judge by sight or hearsay, but with divine insight, ensuring that the marginalized receive true justice, as also seen in [Psalm 72:2-4](/psalms/72-2 "Psalm 72:2-4 - The King's Righteous Judgment"). Another vital theme is the **Power of the Divine Word**. The Messiah's judgment is executed not by physical weaponry but by the very "rod of his mouth" and "breath of his lips," highlighting the absolute, creative, and destructive power inherent in His spoken word, a concept echoed in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being") where God speaks creation into being. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Separation**, as the Messiah's righteous rule necessarily involves the decisive slaying of the wicked, bringing an end to unrighteousness and ushering in an era of peace for the just.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** From `H6664 tsedeq`, meaning "the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity." Here, it signifies the Messiah's inherent moral uprightness and His commitment to upholding what is just and true. His judgment is not arbitrary or biased, but perfectly aligned with divine standards of rectitude.
* **reprove (Hebrew, _yâkach'_):** From `H3198 yâkach`, meaning "to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict." This word implies more than just rebuke; it encompasses the act of making a definitive judgment, whether to vindicate the innocent or condemn the guilty. The Messiah's reproof is an authoritative declaration that sets things right, bringing clarity and resolution to disputes.
* **slay (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From `H4191 mûwth`, meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This term denotes a decisive and final act of destruction. When applied to the wicked by the Messiah's breath, it emphasizes the absolute and irresistible power of His word to bring about the ultimate demise of all that opposes His righteous rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But with righteousness shall he judge the poor,"**: This clause immediately establishes the character of the Messiah's rule. His judgment is not arbitrary or based on human biases, but is founded on perfect `H6664 tsedeq` (righteousness). He actively intervenes on behalf of the `H1800 dal` (poor), those who are weak, needy, and marginalized, ensuring their rights are upheld and justice is served.
* **"and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:"**: Building on the previous clause, the Messiah will `H3198 yâkach` (reprove or decide) with `H4334 mîyshôwr` (equity or straightness). This means His decisions are fair, impartial, and just, specifically benefiting the `H6035 'ânâv` (meek or humble) of the land. He champions the cause of the vulnerable against those who would exploit or oppress them.
* **"and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth,"**: This powerful imagery describes the Messiah's authoritative action. He will `H5221 nâkâh` (smite or strike) the `H776 'erets` (earth/land and its inhabitants) not with a physical weapon, but with the `H7626 shêbeṭ` (rod or scepter) that emanates from His `H6310 peh` (mouth). This signifies that His spoken word carries the full weight of His kingly authority and power to execute judgment and bring about change.
* **"and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."**: This clause further intensifies the imagery of divine judgment. The `H7307 rûwach` (breath) from His `H8193 sâphâh` (lips) is the instrument by which He will `H4191 mûwth` (slay or kill) the `H7563 râshâʻ` (wicked). This conveys the absolute ease and efficacy with which He eliminates all unrighteousness, demonstrating that His mere utterance is sufficient to bring about the destruction of those who oppose His righteous dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 11:4 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey the Messiah's power and character. **Metonymy** is prominent in "rod of his mouth" and "breath of his lips," where "mouth" and "lips" stand for the words or decrees that issue from them. This emphasizes that the Messiah's power is not physical but verbal; His pronouncements are inherently authoritative and execute judgment. The "rod" itself is a **symbol** of authority, a scepter, but its association with the "mouth" transforms it into a symbol of the word's power, rather than a physical weapon. The parallel structure of the two latter clauses ("smite the earth with the rod of his mouth" and "with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked") exemplifies **parallelism**, a common Hebrew poetic device, which reinforces the message by repeating it in slightly different but complementary terms, thereby intensifying the notion of the Messiah's absolute and effortless power in judgment. The contrast between judging the "poor" and "meek" with "righteousness" and "equity" versus "slaying the wicked" highlights the Messiah's dual role as both deliverer and judge, creating a powerful **antithesis**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 11:4 provides a foundational understanding of the Messiah's role as the ultimate King of righteousness and justice. It establishes that His reign will be characterized by perfect equity, where the vulnerable are protected and the oppressors are judged. This vision of a just ruler who executes judgment through the sheer power of His word resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil. The Messiah's judgment is not merely punitive but redemptive, clearing the way for a kingdom of peace and righteousness.

* [Psalm 72:4](/psalms/72-4 "He will defend the afflicted")
* [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "The Sharp Two-Edged Sword")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "The Lord Jesus Will Destroy the Lawless One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound prophecy offers immense comfort and a powerful challenge to believers today. For those who feel marginalized, oppressed, or witness pervasive injustice in the world, Isaiah 11:4 is a beacon of hope, assuring us that a perfect, righteous King will ultimately establish true equity. It reminds us that God's justice is not delayed indefinitely but will culminate in the decisive triumph of good over evil. This should inspire us to live righteously, to advocate for justice in our spheres of influence, and to stand with the poor and the meek, knowing that we align ourselves with the very heart of God's coming kingdom. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning to those who persist in wickedness, reminding them that the Messiah's word, which brings life to the righteous, will also bring inescapable judgment to the ungodly. Our hope is anchored in the certainty of Christ's return, when His perfect rule will fully manifest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Messiah's method of judgment—using the "rod of his mouth" and "breath of his lips"—challenge our understanding of power and authority?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, embody the Messiah's concern for the "poor" and "meek" in our communities today?**
* **How does the promise of ultimate justice in Isaiah 11:4 shape our hope and perseverance in the face of ongoing injustice in the world?**
* **What does the "slaying of the wicked" by the Messiah's word imply about the nature of sin and its ultimate fate in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "smite the earth with the rod of his mouth" mean?**

Answer: This powerful imagery signifies that the Messiah's judgment and authority are executed not through physical weaponry or brute force, but through the sheer power of His spoken word. The "rod" (`H7626 shêbeṭ`) is a symbol of kingly authority or a scepter, while the "mouth" (`H6310 peh`) represents His decrees and commands. Thus, when the Messiah speaks, His words carry the full weight of divine power to establish order, bring justice, and execute judgment upon the earth. It emphasizes that His declarations are self-executing and irresistible.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of a "peaceful kingdom" often associated with Isaiah 11?**

Answer: While Isaiah 11:6-9 famously describes a future era of profound peace where even natural enemies coexist, verse 4 is crucial for understanding how that peace is achieved. The "peaceful kingdom" is not a result of passive coexistence but is established through the active, righteous judgment of the Messiah. He first judges and "slays the wicked" with the breath of His lips, removing all sources of injustice and oppression. It is only after the wicked are dealt with and righteousness is firmly established that true and lasting peace can prevail. Thus, judgment is a necessary precursor to the perfect peace described later in the chapter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 11:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is the one born of the lineage of David, the "shoot from the stump of Jesse" [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Shoot from Jesse's Stump"), upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests in its fullness [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Messiah"). While His first advent was characterized by humility and salvation, His ministry nonetheless demonstrated His divine authority to "judge the poor" by healing the sick, casting out demons, and proclaiming good news to the marginalized [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one whose word carries absolute power. He spoke and creation obeyed [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), demons fled [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"), and the dead were raised [John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus"). This foreshadows His future role as the righteous Judge. Paul explicitly references this prophecy in [2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Jesus Destroys the Lawless One"), stating that the Lord Jesus "will overthrow [the lawless one] with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming." Revelation further depicts Christ with a "sharp, double-edged sword coming out of his mouth" [Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - The Sharp Two-Edged Sword") by which He will "strike down the nations" [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ Judges the Nations"). Thus, Isaiah 11:4 is not merely a poetic description but a precise prophecy of Christ's unparalleled authority, ensuring that His return will bring about perfect justice, the vindication of the righteous, and the decisive end of all wickedness through the irresistible power of His divine word.

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

2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Malachi 4:6

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Job 4:9

By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

Proverbs 31:8

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Proverbs 31:9

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

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;