Isaiah 49:4

KJV

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: [yet] surely my judgment [is] with the LORD, and my work with my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I said {H559}, I have laboured {H3021} in vain {H7385}, I have spent {H3615} my strength {H3581} for nought {H8414}, and in vain {H1892}: yet surely {H403} my judgment {H4941} is with the LORD {H3068}, and my work {H6468} with my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I said, "I have toiled in vain, spent my strength for nothing, futility." Yet my cause is with ADONAI, my reward is with my God.

Berean Standard Bible

But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”

American Standard Version

But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Jehovah, and my recompense with my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 49:4 captures a poignant moment of profound human discouragement experienced by the Servant of the Lord, who laments seemingly fruitless labor and expended strength. Despite this deep sense of futility and perceived failure in his divine mission, the Servant immediately pivots to an unwavering declaration of faith, affirming that his vindication and reward are securely held by the Lord, his God. This verse powerfully articulates the tension between human perception of success and divine assurance, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty and justice in evaluating the faithful service of His chosen one.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 49:4 is a central verse within the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (specifically the second song, [Isaiah 49:1-13](/isaiah/49 "Isaiah 49 - The Second Servant Song")), which prophetically delineate the character, mission, and ultimate vindication of God's chosen Servant. This particular verse follows the Servant's divine calling and commission, where he is appointed to restore Israel and be a light to the nations ([Isaiah 49:1-3](/isaiah/49-1 "Isaiah 49:1-3 - The Servant's Calling")). The lament in verse 4 serves as a stark contrast to the glorious commission, revealing a moment of deep personal struggle and doubt, a common motif for prophets who often faced rejection and apparent failure in their ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:7-9](/jeremiah/20-7 "Jeremiah 20:7-9 - Jeremiah's Lament")). This human vulnerability makes the Servant's subsequent trust in God's ultimate judgment all the more powerful within the narrative arc.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah addresses Judah during a period of significant political and spiritual turmoil, spanning from the Assyrian threat to the Babylonian exile and the promise of return. The "Servant" figure emerges as a key theological concept, embodying both the ideal Israel (called to be a light to the nations) and an individual, messianic figure who perfectly fulfills God's will. In a culture where visible success and immediate results were often seen as signs of divine favor, the Servant's lament of "laboring in vain" would resonate deeply with a people experiencing exile and the apparent failure of God's promises. The emphasis on God's "judgment" (vindication) and "work" (reward) speaks to a covenantal understanding where God is faithful to His promises and just in His dealings, even when human circumstances suggest otherwise. This perspective provided hope and resilience for a people struggling with their identity and future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Discouragement in Divine Service**, portraying the very real human experience of feeling that one's efforts for God are unproductive or unappreciated. This resonates with the struggles of many faithful individuals throughout history who have poured out their lives for God's purposes with seemingly little visible success, as seen in the lives of prophets like Elijah ([1 Kings 19:4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah's Despair")) or even Paul ([2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Paul's Sufferings")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Vindication and Trust**, as the Servant immediately pivots from lament to an unwavering declaration of faith that God sees, understands, and will ultimately affirm his work. This emphasizes that ultimate assessment and reward come solely from God, not from human perception or immediate outcomes. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, affirming that despite appearances, God's plan is unfolding, and He will not forget the labor of His faithful ones. The Servant's confidence in God's "judgment" and "work" points to God's perfect righteousness and His commitment to His covenantal promises, a truth foundational to the hope of Israel and the broader redemptive narrative found in passages such as [Psalm 37:5-6](/psalm/37-5 "Psalm 37:5-6 - Commit Your Way to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laboured (Hebrew, _yâgaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to gasp," "to be exhausted," "to tire," or "to toil." It conveys a sense of strenuous effort that leads to weariness or fatigue. In the Servant's lament, it emphasizes the intense, draining nature of his efforts, suggesting a profound physical and emotional expenditure in his mission.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to judge," _mishpâṭ_ refers to a verdict, a judicial decision, or a formal decree. It encompasses concepts of justice, right, and a favorable ruling. In this context, it signifies God's righteous vindication of the Servant, His just assessment of the Servant's efforts, and the ultimate outcome that God will bring about in His perfect justice, regardless of apparent failure in human eyes.
* **work (Hebrew, _pᵉʻullâh'_):** This feminine passive participle abstractly refers to "work" but more specifically implies a recompense, reward, or wages for one's actions. The Servant's declaration that his "work" is with God means that his just reward, the fruit of his labor, and the ultimate recognition of his faithfulness are securely held and guaranteed by God. It speaks to divine compensation and the ultimate fulfillment of purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I said, I have laboured in vain,"**: This opening phrase marks a shift from the divine commission to the Servant's personal reflection. The Servant articulates a deep sense of futility and disappointment, feeling that his intense efforts (`yâgaʻ`) have yielded no positive outcome or lasting impact. The phrase "in vain" (often _rîyq_ or _hebel_) highlights the perceived emptiness and worthlessness of his strenuous toil.
* **"I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain:"**: This clause intensifies the previous lament through **parallelism**. "Spent my strength" (using _kâlâh_ for "spent," meaning to consume or exhaust, and _kôach_ for "strength," referring to vigor or power) underscores the complete depletion of his resources. The repetition of "for nought, and in vain" (using _tôhûw_ for "nought," implying a waste or desolation, and _hebel_ for "vain," signifying emptiness or vanity) powerfully emphasizes the Servant's conviction that his efforts have been utterly without effect or purpose.
* **"yet surely my judgment is with the LORD,"**: This marks a dramatic **turnaround** or **pivot** in the Servant's emotional state and theological perspective. The adverb "surely" (_ʼâkên_) expresses absolute certainty and affirmation. Despite the preceding lament, the Servant declares an unwavering trust that his vindication (_mishpâṭ_) and the just assessment of his mission reside entirely with Yahweh (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. This is an assertion of faith over perceived reality.
* **"and my work with my God."**: This final clause reinforces the Servant's confidence through **synonymous parallelism**. "My work" (_pᵉʻullâh_), referring to his recompense or reward, is affirmed to be "with my God" (_ʼĕlôhîym_), the supreme and mighty God. This reiterates the conviction that God will ultimately acknowledge, reward, and bring to fruition the Servant's faithful, albeit seemingly fruitless, labor. It is a profound statement of divine accountability and ultimate justice.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 49:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the Servant's profound experience. **Lament** is the overarching genre of the first half of the verse, expressing deep sorrow and perceived failure, characteristic of prophetic and psalm literature where individuals pour out their hearts to God. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly **synonymous parallelism**, where "I have laboured in vain" is echoed and intensified by "I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain." Similarly, "my judgment is with the LORD" is paralleled by "and my work with my God," reinforcing the message of divine vindication. The verse also exhibits a powerful **Contrast** or **Antithesis** between the Servant's human perception of failure ("laboured in vain") and his divine assurance of ultimate success and vindication ("my judgment is with the LORD"). This stark juxtaposition highlights the theological truth that God's perspective and ultimate outcome transcend human experience and immediate results. The use of strong, evocative language like "laboured," "spent my strength," "vain," and "nought" contributes to the emotional intensity and **Pathos** of the Servant's cry, making his struggle relatable while simultaneously elevating his faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 49:4 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine service and God's unwavering faithfulness. It teaches that true success is not measured by immediate, visible results or human applause, but by faithfulness to God's calling and trust in His ultimate assessment. The Servant's lament acknowledges the very real struggles and discouragement that can accompany obedience to God, yet his immediate pivot to faith demonstrates that God's character as a just and sovereign Lord provides the ultimate ground for perseverance. This verse underscores the truth that God is the ultimate judge and rewarder, and His purposes will never ultimately fail, even when His servants feel their efforts have been in vain. It calls believers to shift their focus from external validation to internal assurance rooted in God's perfect knowledge and justice.

* [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Will Not Forget Your Work and Labor of Love")
* [Psalm 37:5-6](/psalm/37-5 "Commit Your Way to the Lord and He Will Act")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 49:4 speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has poured their energy, time, and passion into a task, a ministry, or a relationship, only to feel that their efforts have been fruitless, unappreciated, or utterly wasted. It validates the human experience of discouragement and the temptation to despair when visible results are absent. Yet, it simultaneously offers a powerful antidote: the unwavering truth that God sees, God knows, and God will ultimately vindicate and reward every faithful act done in His name. This verse calls us to release our need for immediate gratification or human affirmation and instead anchor our hope and worth in God's perfect justice and unfailing love. It encourages perseverance, reminding us that our ultimate "judgment" and "work" are securely held by the Lord, who never forgets our labor of love, even when we feel forgotten or ineffective. This perspective liberates us to serve with integrity and patience, knowing that our true reward is not in fleeting outcomes but in the eternal embrace of our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or service do you currently feel you are "labouring in vain" or "spending your strength for nought"?**
* **How does the Servant's immediate pivot from lament to trust in God's judgment challenge or encourage your own faith during times of discouragement?**
* **What does it mean practically to believe that your "judgment is with the LORD, and your work with your God" when results are not apparent?**
* **How can focusing on God as the ultimate Judge and Rewarder change your motivation for service or your definition of success?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Servant" speaking in Isaiah 49:4, and why is his lament significant?**

Answer: The "Servant" in Isaiah's Servant Songs (chapters 42, 49, 50, 52-53) is a multifaceted figure. While sometimes referring to the nation of Israel, the depth and perfection of the Servant's character and mission, particularly in passages like [Isaiah 49:1-6](/isaiah/49-1 "Isaiah 49:1-6 - The Servant's Mission"), point beyond Israel to a specific individual who perfectly fulfills God's will. Christian theology identifies this Servant as Jesus Christ. His lament in Isaiah 49:4 is significant because it reveals a profound human vulnerability and experience of perceived failure, even for the divinely appointed Servant. This makes him relatable to humanity's struggles, yet his immediate pivot to trust in God's ultimate vindication underscores his perfect faith and dependence on the Father, even in the face of apparent futility. It highlights that even the most righteous of God's servants can experience moments of deep discouragement, but their ultimate hope and reward rest solely in God.

**What does it mean that the Servant's "judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication. "My judgment" (Hebrew _mishpâṭ_) refers to God's righteous verdict or favorable assessment of the Servant's efforts and mission. Despite the Servant's feeling that his labor was "in vain," he asserts that God sees the truth of his faithfulness and will ultimately declare him righteous and successful. "My work" (Hebrew _pᵉʻullâh_) refers to the recompense or reward for his actions. The Servant believes that his just reward, the fruit of his labor, and the full realization of his purpose are securely held by God. It means that God is the ultimate arbiter of success and the faithful dispenser of reward, ensuring that no true labor for Him is ever truly wasted or forgotten, as affirmed in [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "God Rewards Those Who Seek Him").

**How can this verse encourage believers who feel their efforts for God are not making a difference?**

Answer: Isaiah 49:4 offers profound encouragement by validating the very real experience of discouragement while providing a divine perspective. It reminds believers that God's assessment of their faithfulness transcends immediate, visible results or human recognition. Just as the Servant trusted that God would vindicate his "judgment" and "work," believers can be confident that their labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")). This verse calls us to persevere in obedience and service, not for the sake of immediate outcomes, but out of trust in God's perfect timing, His sovereign plan, and His unwavering commitment to reward those who faithfully serve Him ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Jesus' Return and Reward")). It shifts our focus from our limited perspective to God's eternal one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 49:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant. Like the Servant described, Jesus experienced immense toil and seemingly fruitless labor during His earthly ministry. He preached, healed, and taught, yet faced rejection from His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own")). His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, though the pinnacle of His obedience, appeared to many as a tragic failure and the complete expenditure of His strength "for nought." Yet, precisely in this apparent defeat, Jesus perfectly embodied the Servant's unwavering faith: "surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God." His vindication came not through earthly success, but through His resurrection from the dead, which God accomplished ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "God Raised Him Up")). The Father's "judgment" of Jesus was His declaration of Christ's righteousness and the acceptance of His atoning work, leading to His exaltation to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "God Exalted Him")). The "work" of the Servant, which seemed in vain, ultimately bore the greatest fruit: the salvation of all who believe, demonstrating that His labor was not for nought but for the glory of God and the redemption of humanity ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection perfectly illustrate the truth that God's ultimate assessment and reward far transcend human perception of failure.

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 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Galatians 4:11

I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

2 Corinthians 12:15

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Isaiah 65:23

They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

Isaiah 53:10

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

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.

Matthew 17:17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.