Isaiah 50:4

KJV

¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} hath given {H5414} me the tongue {H3956} of the learned {H3928}, that I should know {H3045} how to speak {H5790} a word {H1697} in season to him that is weary {H3287}: he wakeneth {H5782} morning {H1242} by morning {H1242}, he wakeneth {H5782} mine ear {H241} to hear {H8085} as the learned {H3928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.

Berean Standard Bible

The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

American Standard Version

The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 50:4 presents the Suffering Servant, a figure uniquely prepared by the Lord GOD, whose divine instruction equips him with the ability to speak words of timely comfort and wisdom to the weary. This preparation is depicted as an ongoing, intimate process of daily communion, where God awakens the Servant's ear to hear with the discernment of one who is taught, underscoring a life of profound attentiveness and obedience to the divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 50:4 is situated within the third of the four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-13, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12), which collectively portray a mysterious figure chosen by God to accomplish His redemptive purposes. This particular song (Isaiah 50:4-9) emphasizes the Servant's unwavering obedience and resolve in the face of intense opposition and suffering. Preceding this verse, Isaiah 50:1-3 addresses Israel's perceived divorce from God, asserting that their suffering is due to their own iniquities, not God's inability to save. Following verse 4, the Servant expresses his steadfast determination to endure shame and spitting, trusting in the Lord GOD to uphold him, setting the stage for the ultimate suffering and vindication described in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Thus, Isaiah 50:4 serves as a foundational statement regarding the Servant's divine equipping for his compassionate yet costly ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans a significant period of Israelite history, from the eighth-century BC Assyrian threat to the Babylonian exile and the promise of return. The "Servant Songs" are often viewed as prophetic, looking beyond the immediate historical circumstances to a future deliverer. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the concept of a "learned" or "taught" individual was highly valued, often associated with scribes, sages, or prophets who received direct instruction from a deity or king. The imagery of "waking morning by morning" reflects a common practice of disciples or apprentices who would rise early to receive instruction from their master, emphasizing diligence and continuous learning. The "weary" would have included those suffering from physical hardship, oppression, or spiritual despondency, a common plight for the people of Israel during periods of judgment and exile, as seen in passages like [Lamentations 1:12](/lamentations/1-12 "Lamentations 1:12 - Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Isaiah. It highlights **Divine Empowerment**, demonstrating that the Servant's capabilities are not self-derived but are gifts from the sovereign [Lord GOD](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - The Everlasting God"). The theme of **Compassionate Ministry** is central, as the Servant's purpose is to bring solace and timely truth to those who are burdened, reflecting God's own heart for His people (e.g., [Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1-2 - Comfort for God's People")). Furthermore, the emphasis on daily awakening and hearing underscores the theme of **Obedient Discipleship** and **Intimate Communion** with God. The Servant is portrayed as a diligent student, constantly attuned to the divine voice, which is a recurring motif for those called to God's service throughout Scripture, as exemplified by Samuel's call in [1 Samuel 3:10](/1_samuel/3-10 "1 Samuel 3:10 - Speak, Lord, for your servant hears").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Learned (Hebrew, _limmûwd'_):** From the root `לָמַד` (lamad), meaning "to learn" or "to teach." `Limmûwd` specifically refers to one who is "instructed" or "taught," a "disciple." This term emphasizes that the Servant's wisdom and ability to speak are not innate but are the result of diligent, ongoing instruction from God. It highlights a relationship of master and pupil, where the Servant is a receptive student of divine truth.
* **Weary (Hebrew, _yâʻêph'_):** This word describes someone who is "fatigued," "exhausted," or "faint." It implies not just physical tiredness but also spiritual and emotional depletion. The Servant's mission is specifically directed towards those in such a state, indicating a ministry of refreshment and restoration that goes beyond mere physical rest.
* **Wakeneth (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wake" or "to stir up." In this context, it signifies an active, divine initiative. It is God who deliberately and consistently rouses the Servant, opening his ear to hear. This is not a passive reception but an active engagement by God to prepare the Servant for his daily tasks and revelations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned":** This clause establishes the divine origin of the Servant's communicative ability. His capacity to speak with wisdom and authority is not self-acquired but is a direct gift from `ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih` (the Lord GOD), signifying His absolute sovereignty and the Servant's complete dependence. The "tongue of the learned" implies a profound understanding and the ability to articulate truth effectively, characteristic of one who has been thoroughly discipled by God.
* **"that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary":** This specifies the purpose and compassionate nature of the Servant's gifted tongue. The phrase "a word in season" (Hebrew: `dâbâr laʻûth`) means a word that is perfectly timed, appropriate, and effective for the specific need of the weary individual. It speaks to discernment and empathy, providing comfort, encouragement, or guidance precisely when and how it is needed most.
* **"he wakeneth morning by morning":** This phrase emphasizes the regularity and consistency of God's interaction with the Servant. The repetition of "morning by morning" suggests a daily, fresh impartation of divine wisdom and instruction, highlighting a continuous and intimate communion. It implies a life lived in constant anticipation and receptivity to God's voice.
* **"he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned":** This final clause reiterates the active role of God in preparing the Servant and the nature of that preparation. God opens the Servant's ear, not just for physical hearing, but for spiritual comprehension and obedience, enabling him to discern divine truth with the same precision and depth as one who has been thoroughly trained and discipled. This is a profound spiritual receptivity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 50:4 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**. The "tongue of the learned" is a metaphor for the Servant's divinely endowed ability to speak with wisdom, authority, and discernment, rather than a literal anatomical feature. Similarly, "wakeneth mine ear to hear" uses the physical act of waking an ear as a metaphor for God actively opening the Servant's spiritual understanding and receptivity to His voice. The phrase "morning by morning" employs **Repetition** to emphasize the consistent, daily nature of God's instruction and the Servant's attentive posture. There is also a strong sense of **Parallelism** between the first and second halves of the verse: the Servant is given a tongue to speak (outward ministry) because his ear is awakened to hear (inward reception), demonstrating a balanced divine preparation for his mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the nature of divine calling and preparation for ministry. It highlights that true spiritual authority and effective communication stem not from human eloquence or intellect, but from a deep, ongoing, and divinely initiated relationship with God. The Servant's ability to speak a "word in season" to the weary is a testament to God's compassionate heart and His desire to bring comfort and restoration through His chosen instruments. This model of constant listening and obedient speaking is foundational for all who seek to serve God, emphasizing that effective ministry flows from a life of intimate communion and receptivity to divine instruction. The Servant's dependence on God for both the content and the timing of his message underscores the sovereignty of God in all redemptive work.

* [Psalm 40:6](/psalm/40-6 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Sacrifice and Offering You Have Not Desired") - Foreshadows the obedient Servant whose ear is opened to do God's will.
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary") - Jesus' invitation to the weary, directly fulfilling the compassionate ministry described in Isaiah 50:4.
* [John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears from the Father") - Jesus' claim that He does nothing of Himself but speaks only what the Father has taught Him, echoing the Servant's dependence on divine instruction.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 50:4 offers a profound blueprint for Christian life and ministry, inviting believers to cultivate a posture of humble dependence and eager receptivity to God's voice. In a world saturated with noise and often devoid of true comfort, the call to speak "a word in season to him that is weary" is more vital than ever. This requires not only a compassionate heart but also a disciplined ear, attuned to the Holy Spirit's promptings through Scripture and prayer. Just as the Servant was daily awakened by the Lord GOD, we are encouraged to seek fresh encounters with God each morning, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and direct our words. This daily communion empowers us to discern the specific needs of those around us and to deliver messages of hope, encouragement, and truth that are perfectly timed and Spirit-anointed, bringing genuine rest to weary souls and reflecting the very heart of Christ to a hurting world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily routine reflect a "morning by morning" attentiveness to God's voice?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate "the tongue of the learned" to speak words of comfort and truth to those who are weary in my sphere of influence?**
* **What are the "weary" states that people around me are experiencing, and how can I, empowered by God, bring a "word in season" to them?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty and my dependence on Him impact my approach to ministry and communication?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the tongue of the learned" in this verse?**

Answer: "The tongue of the learned" signifies a divinely gifted ability to speak with wisdom, authority, and discernment. It implies that the speaker is not self-taught or relying on human eloquence, but has been thoroughly instructed and discipled by God Himself. This phrase emphasizes that the Servant's words carry the weight and truth of divine revelation, enabling him to communicate effectively and appropriately, especially to those in need. It highlights a profound spiritual education and empowerment from the Lord GOD.

**How does the phrase "he wakeneth morning by morning" relate to the Servant's ministry?**

Answer: This phrase underscores the continuous, intimate, and daily nature of the Servant's communion with God. It suggests a life lived in constant receptivity, where God actively and consistently opens the Servant's spiritual ear to hear His instructions, purposes, and wisdom. This daily renewal of divine instruction is crucial for the Servant's ability to speak "a word in season" to the weary, ensuring that his ministry is always fresh, relevant, and aligned with God's will. It portrays a diligent disciple who is always ready to learn from his Master, much like Jesus' own practice of rising early to pray and commune with the Father (e.g., [Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 50:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant par excellence. Jesus consistently demonstrated "the tongue of the learned," speaking with an authority and wisdom that astonished His hearers, as recorded in [Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"). He did not speak His own words but declared, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me" ([John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching is from God")). His ministry was characterized by deep compassion for the "weary" and heavy-laden, inviting them to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied the daily communion described: He often withdrew to solitary places to pray and hear from His Father, rising early "morning by morning" to receive divine instruction and strength ([Mark 1:35](/mark/1-35 "Mark 1:35 - Jesus Prays Early in the Morning")). His life was a continuous testament to an ear awakened by God, enabling Him to perfectly fulfill the Father's will, leading to His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, which provides true and eternal rest for all who believe ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")).

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

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

John 7:15

And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

Exodus 4:11

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Proverbs 25:11

¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.