Isaiah 42:4

KJV

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall not fail {H3543} nor be discouraged {H7533}, till he have set {H7760} judgment {H4941} in the earth {H776}: and the isles {H339} shall wait {H3176} for his law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he will not weaken or be crushed until he has established justice on the earth, and the coastlands wait for his Torah."

Berean Standard Bible

He will not grow weak or discouraged before He has established justice on the earth. In His law the islands will put their hope.”

American Standard Version

He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:4 presents a profound prophecy concerning the steadfast and unwavering nature of God's chosen Servant. This verse declares that the Servant will neither falter nor be crushed in spirit until His divine mission to establish justice and righteous order is fully accomplished throughout the entire earth. Furthermore, it foretells that even the most distant nations, represented by the "isles" or "coastlands," will eagerly anticipate and embrace His divine instruction and revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 42:4 is an integral part of the first of four "Servant Songs" found in the book of Isaiah (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52:13–53:12). This particular song begins in [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - Introduction of the Servant") by introducing the Servant as one on whom the Spirit of the Lord rests, chosen to bring "justice to the Gentiles." The preceding verses ([Isaiah 42:2-3](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2-3 - The Gentle Nature of the Servant")) describe His gentle, non-confrontational approach—He will not cry out, lift up His voice, or break a bruised reed, nor quench a dimly burning wick. This sets the stage for verse 4, which then emphasizes the Servant's unyielding determination and ultimate success, contrasting His divine resolve with the fragility and often-failing efforts of human endeavors to establish true justice. The verse assures the reader that despite His gentle method, His mission is divinely guaranteed to succeed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah was written during a period of significant political and spiritual turmoil for Judah. Chapters 40-55, often referred to as "Second Isaiah," are believed by many scholars to address the Jewish exiles in Babylon, offering comfort, hope, and a vision of future restoration and redemption. The concept of "justice" (mishpat) and "law" (torah) were central to Israelite identity, rooted in the Mosaic Covenant and God's righteous character. However, the people had often failed to uphold these standards. The prophecy of a Servant who would perfectly embody and establish God's justice would have been a radical and comforting promise in a world dominated by oppressive empires and human injustice. The "isles" or "coastlands" (Hebrew: *'iym*) refer to distant lands beyond the immediate geographical sphere of Israel, symbolizing the Gentile nations and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, a theme also seen in passages like [Psalm 72:10](/psalm/72-10 "Psalm 72:10 - Kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **Unwavering Determination and Perseverance of the Servant**. The declaration that "He shall not fail nor be discouraged" underscores the absolute certainty of the Servant's mission, contrasting with human weakness and fickleness. This highlights the divine nature of His calling and the guaranteed success of His work. Another crucial theme is the **Global Establishment of Divine Justice and Righteousness**. The phrase "till he have set judgment in the earth" points to the worldwide scope of the Servant's mission to bring God's righteous governance, order, and truth to all nations, not just Israel. This vision of universal justice is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, such as in [Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - His dominion shall be from sea to sea"). Finally, the theme of **Universal Anticipation and Reception of God's Law** is evident in "and the isles shall wait for his law." This signifies the eager expectation and eventual willing submission of distant Gentile nations to the Servant's divine teaching and instruction, emphasizing the magnetic and transformative power of His revelation for all humanity, as also prophesied in [Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - All nations shall flow to the Lord's house").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fail (Hebrew, _kâhâh'_):** From H3543, a primitive root meaning to be weak, figuratively to despond, or (of light, the eye) to grow dull; to darken, be dim, faint, restrain, utterly. In this context, it speaks to the Servant's inability to become weak, dim, or to give up on His mission. His resolve will not lessen.
* **discouraged (Hebrew, _râtsats'_):** From H7533, a primitive root meaning to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively; to break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle together. This word emphasizes that the Servant will not be broken, crushed, or disheartened by opposition or the magnitude of His task. His spirit will remain unyielding.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style. Here, it refers to the comprehensive divine justice, righteous order, and moral governance that the Servant is destined to establish globally.
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** From H339, properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island; country, isle, island. This term frequently denotes distant coastlands or islands, serving as a metonym for the Gentile nations far from Israel, signifying the universal reach of the Servant's influence.
* **wait (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** From H3176, a primitive root meaning to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope. This indicates an eager, hopeful anticipation and longing by the distant nations for the Servant's instruction.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch; law. In this broader prophetic context, it signifies divine teaching, instruction, revelation, and the way of life prescribed by God through the Servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not fail nor be discouraged":** This opening clause powerfully asserts the Servant's divine resilience and unwavering determination. Unlike human leaders or prophets who might grow weary, lose heart, or be broken by the immense challenges of establishing righteousness, the Servant's resolve is absolute and divinely sustained. He will not weaken in His purpose or be crushed by opposition.
* **"till he have set judgment in the earth":** This phrase defines the ultimate goal and scope of the Servant's mission. The term "judgment" (mishpat) here encompasses much more than legal verdicts; it refers to the full establishment of God's righteous order, justice, and moral governance throughout the entire world. The Servant's work is not complete until this comprehensive divine standard is universally implemented.
* **"and the isles shall wait for his law":** This final clause highlights the universal appeal and reception of the Servant's message. The "isles" or "coastlands" represent the distant Gentile nations, symbolizing all peoples beyond Israel. Their "waiting" implies an eager, hopeful anticipation and longing for His "law" (torah), which signifies His divine teaching, instruction, and revelation. This portrays a willing embrace of His truth by nations far and wide, demonstrating the global impact of His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is evident in the description of the Servant's attributes—His inability to "fail" or "be discouraged" imbues Him with an unwavering resolve that transcends human limitations, highlighting His divine nature. The phrase "the isles shall wait for his law" uses **Metonymy** and **Synecdoche**, where "isles" (a part of the earth) stand for the distant Gentile nations (the whole of humanity beyond Israel), and their "waiting" for "law" represents their eager anticipation and reception of divine teaching and truth. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling future events and the character of a specific individual, the Servant, whose mission will have universal and lasting impact. The contrast between human frailty and the Servant's steadfastness also introduces an element of **Antithesis**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:4 is a cornerstone prophecy that profoundly shapes our understanding of God's redemptive plan and the character of His chosen deliverer. It reveals a God who is utterly committed to establishing justice and truth globally, not through overwhelming force, but through a Servant who embodies unwavering perseverance and gentle authority. This vision of a worldwide reign of righteousness, initiated by a steadfast figure, foreshadows the New Covenant reality where God's law is written on hearts and His kingdom extends to all peoples. The verse underscores divine sovereignty and the certainty of God's purposes, providing immense hope that despite present injustices, His ultimate will for a just and ordered world will prevail.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant as a Light to the Gentiles")
* [Matthew 12:18-21](/matthew/12-18 "Matthew 12:18-21 - Jesus as the Fulfillment of Isaiah 42")
* [Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Root of Jesse and Hope for Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 42:4 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to steadfastness in our own lives and ministries. In a world often marked by overwhelming injustice, despair, and the apparent failure of good intentions, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate plan for righteousness is unwavering and will ultimately prevail through His Servant. For believers, it provides an unshakable assurance that the redemptive work of Christ is not in vain and His kingdom will indeed be established globally, drawing people from every nation. This assurance should fuel our hope and strengthen our resolve when faced with opposition or discouragement. It also challenges us to participate actively in spreading this divine truth and justice, knowing that our efforts, though small, are part of a larger, divinely guaranteed victory. Just as the Servant endured without failing, we are called to persevere in faith, prayer, and mission, trusting in the ultimate triumph of God's righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Servant's unwavering determination in Isaiah 42:4 challenge your own tendencies to "fail" or "be discouraged" in your faith or service?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in "setting judgment in the earth" (i.e., promoting justice and righteousness) in your sphere of influence today?**
* **What does the "isles waiting for his law" imply about the universal appeal of Christ's message, and how does this impact your view of evangelism and missions?**

### FAQ

**What is the "judgment" that the Servant is to establish in the earth?**

Answer: The "judgment" (Hebrew: *mishpâṭ*) that the Servant is to establish is far more comprehensive than merely legal verdicts or punishments. It refers to the full establishment of God's righteous order, divine justice, and moral governance throughout the entire world. It encompasses the restoration of right relationships between God and humanity, and among people, reflecting God's perfect will and standards. This divine justice is not just about condemnation but about setting things right, bringing peace, and ensuring equity, as seen in passages like [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - He will judge the world with righteousness").

**Who are the "isles" that shall wait for his law?**

Answer: The "isles" (Hebrew: *ʼîy*) or "coastlands" are a common biblical idiom used to refer to distant lands and, by extension, the Gentile nations beyond the immediate geographical and cultural sphere of Israel. In this prophetic context, it signifies the universal reach of the Servant's mission. It means that people from all parts of the world, even those considered remote or outside the covenant community of Israel, will eagerly anticipate and embrace the Servant's divine teaching and instruction, highlighting the global scope of God's redemptive plan, as also prophesied in [Isaiah 60:9](/isaiah/60-9 "Isaiah 60:9 - The isles shall wait for me").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant of God. His earthly ministry perfectly embodied the prophecy: He did not "fail nor be discouraged" in His mission, even in the face of immense opposition, rejection, and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The Gospels consistently portray Jesus as one who came to establish God's "judgment" or righteous reign, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and demonstrating its power through healing, deliverance, and teaching ([Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God")). His death and resurrection were the decisive acts by which He "set judgment in the earth," inaugurating a new covenant and a new order of righteousness that would extend to all humanity. Furthermore, the prophecy that "the isles shall wait for his law" is powerfully fulfilled in the global expansion of the Christian faith. From Pentecost onward, the message of Christ's "law" – His teachings, His life, and the new covenant He established – has spread to every corner of the earth, drawing people from all nations to Himself ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). The eager anticipation of the "isles" is seen in the countless Gentiles who have embraced the Gospel, demonstrating that Jesus truly is the "light for the Gentiles" ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light for Revelation to the Gentiles")) and the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, ensuring His global reign ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Isaiah 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 52:13

¶ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Isaiah 52:15

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.

Matthew 12:21

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.