Isaiah 50:5

KJV

The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} hath opened {H6605} mine ear {H241}, and I was not rebellious {H4784}, neither turned away {H5472} back {H268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai ELOHIM has opened my ear, and I neither rebelled nor turned away.

Berean Standard Bible

The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.

American Standard Version

The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 50:5 presents a profound declaration from the Servant of the Lord, a pivotal figure in the book of Isaiah. It highlights a divinely initiated relationship of perfect receptivity and unwavering obedience to God's will. The Servant affirms that the Lord God has spiritually enabled him to hear and understand divine instruction, and in response, he has demonstrated complete non-rebellion and steadfast commitment, refusing to turn away from the path set before him, even in the face of potential suffering. This verse sets the stage for the Servant's willing endurance of hardship for the sake of his mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 50:5 is a central declaration within the third of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 50:4-9). These songs, distinct from other parts of Isaiah, focus on a unique individual—the Servant of the Lord—whose mission is to bring justice and salvation to Israel and the nations. This particular song emphasizes the Servant's prophetic calling and his unwavering commitment to God's will despite anticipated opposition. Following the Lord's demonstration of power and judgment in the preceding verses (Isaiah 50:1-3), the Servant's voice emerges as one of perfect submission, contrasting sharply with the rebellious nature of Israel described elsewhere in the book (e.g., [Isaiah 1:2-4](/isaiah/1-2 "Isaiah 1:2-4 - Israel's Rebellion")). The Servant's declaration of obedience here foreshadows the suffering and vindication detailed in the subsequent verses and culminates in the profound depiction of vicarious suffering in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Servant Songs are generally understood to be set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile or the immediate post-exilic period, addressing a disheartened and disobedient Israel. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a "servant" (Hebrew: *'eved*) could refer to a slave, a subject, a worshipper, or a king's official, often implying a relationship of loyalty and duty. The concept of "opening the ear" was a well-known idiom signifying not just physical hearing, but spiritual enablement, understanding, and a willingness to obey divine instruction or a master's command. Prophets in Israel were often described as those whose ears God had "opened" to receive His word, distinguishing them from false prophets or those who were spiritually deaf (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:24-26](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24-26 - Israel's Disobedience")). The Servant's resolute stance ("not rebellious, neither turned away back") would have resonated with a people who had repeatedly demonstrated the opposite, emphasizing the unique character of this figure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Communication and Enablement**, as God actively initiates the Servant's capacity to hear and understand His will. This highlights God's sovereign involvement in His chosen one's mission, contrasting with humanity's natural spiritual deafness (e.g., [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Blindness and Deafness")). Secondly, it exemplifies **Perfect Obedience and Steadfastness**, portraying a figure who responds to divine instruction with complete submission and unwavering resolve. This theme stands in stark opposition to the pervasive theme of Israel's rebellion and apostasy throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")). Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Suffering and Vindication**, as the Servant's commitment to God's path, even when it leads to hardship, foreshadows the trials and ultimate triumph detailed in the subsequent verses of the Servant Songs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This primitive root means "to open wide" literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies a divine act of enablement, making the Servant capable of understanding and receiving spiritual instruction. It's not merely a physical unstopping of the ear but a profound spiritual and intellectual opening by God, granting insight and receptivity to His will.
* **ear (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** Derived from a word meaning "broadness," this refers to the physical ear, but in this idiomatic expression, it represents the faculty of hearing, understanding, and obeying. The "opening" of the ear by God implies a special divine preparation and sensitivity to God's voice, enabling the Servant to discern and respond to divine commands.
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be bitter" or "unpleasant," and figuratively, "to rebel" or "resist." The negation "not rebellious" emphasizes the Servant's complete submission and lack of opposition to God's will. Unlike a disobedient child or a resistant nation, the Servant's disposition is one of absolute compliance and willingness to follow divine instruction without argument or complaint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear":** This clause establishes the divine initiative in the Servant's mission and character. It is God (Adonai YHWH) who acts, not the Servant. The "opening of the ear" is a powerful idiom signifying a spiritual enabling, a divine impartation of understanding and receptivity to God's will and instruction. It implies a prophetic commissioning, where the Servant is uniquely attuned to the divine voice, prepared to receive and execute God's commands.
* **"and I was not rebellious":** This part of the verse highlights the Servant's perfect human response to the divine initiative. Unlike the frequent rebellion of Israel, the Servant demonstrates complete submission. There is no resistance, no questioning, no turning away from the received instruction. This signifies a profound alignment of the Servant's will with God's will, a characteristic essential for his unique mission.
* **"neither turned away back":** This final clause reinforces the Servant's steadfastness and perseverance. It means he did not retreat, backslide, or abandon the path God set before him, even when it might have been difficult or led to suffering. It speaks to unwavering commitment and resolute determination to fulfill the divine mandate, emphasizing the Servant's faithfulness and endurance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically "opened mine ear," which is a well-established Hebrew expression for spiritual receptivity, understanding, and obedience to divine instruction, rather than mere physical hearing. This idiom suggests a divine act of enablement, preparing the Servant for his unique role. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** present, as the Servant's perfect obedience ("not rebellious, neither turned away back") stands in stark opposition to the repeated rebellion and turning away of Israel, a theme prevalent throughout Isaiah and the Old Testament. This contrast highlights the Servant's distinct and exemplary character. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, as the Servant speaks of his own calling and commitment, setting the stage for his future actions and suffering, which are central to the Servant Songs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 50:5 profoundly illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of a prophetic calling. It underscores that true spiritual receptivity is not merely a human effort but a gracious divine enablement ("The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear"). Yet, this divine opening is met with a perfect, unreserved human response of obedience and steadfastness ("I was not rebellious, neither turned away back"). This reciprocal relationship forms the bedrock of the Servant's mission, foreshadowing a life of complete alignment with God's will, even unto suffering. The verse highlights the ideal posture of a true servant of God, one who is perfectly attuned to the divine voice and unwavering in commitment, a stark contrast to the spiritual deafness and rebellion often characteristic of humanity.

* [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalms/40-6 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Sacrifice and Obedience") - "Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me. In burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.'"
* [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience") - "Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'"
* [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Submission in Gethsemane") - "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 50:5 offers a compelling model for Christian discipleship, emphasizing the absolute necessity of both divine enablement and human responsiveness in our walk with God. Our spiritual journey begins with God's gracious initiative, as He "opens our ears" to hear His voice through His Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. This is not a passive experience but an active cultivation of a receptive heart, eager to discern and embrace divine truth. The Servant's immediate and unwavering response—"I was not rebellious, neither turned away back"—challenges us to examine the depth of our own obedience. Do we truly listen, or do we selectively hear? Do we respond with immediate compliance, or do we resist, question, or seek to negotiate with God's clear commands? This verse calls us to a radical commitment, to remain steadfast on the path God has set, even when it demands sacrifice, challenges our comfort zones, or leads through trials. It reminds us that authentic discipleship is characterized by unreserved submission and persistent faithfulness, mirroring the Servant's perfect example.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you sense God is trying to "open your ear" to a specific instruction or truth?**
* **How readily do you respond to God's promptings, or do you find yourself being "rebellious" or "turning away back" from His will?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more receptive heart and a more obedient spirit in your daily life?**
* **How does the Servant's steadfastness in this verse encourage you to persevere when following God's path becomes challenging?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Servant of the Lord" in Isaiah 50:5?**
Answer: The identity of the "Servant of the Lord" in Isaiah is a complex and multifaceted theological question. In different contexts within Isaiah, the Servant can represent: (1) the nation of Israel, called to be God's witness to the nations (e.g., [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - Israel as God's Servant")); (2) a faithful remnant within Israel; (3) a specific individual, such as a prophet (like Isaiah himself) or a messianic figure. However, in the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53), the Servant takes on unique characteristics, including perfect obedience, suffering, and a redemptive mission, which ultimately point beyond any single individual or the nation of Israel. Christian theology overwhelmingly interprets the Servant in these passages, particularly in Isaiah 50 and 53, as a prophetic foretelling of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies all the Servant's attributes and fulfills His redemptive work.

**What does "opened mine ear" mean beyond physical hearing?**
Answer: The phrase "opened mine ear" (Hebrew: *pâthach 'ôzen*) is a significant Hebrew idiom that goes far beyond mere physical hearing. It signifies a divine act of spiritual enablement, granting the recipient the capacity to understand, receive, and obey divine instruction or revelation. It implies a profound spiritual attunement, where God makes one uniquely sensitive and receptive to His voice and will. This "opening" is an act of grace that prepares the Servant for his mission, ensuring he is not spiritually deaf or resistant like many others (e.g., [Isaiah 42:18-20](/isaiah/42-18 "Isaiah 42:18-20 - The Blind and Deaf Servant")). It denotes a deep, intimate connection where divine communication is not just heard but fully comprehended and embraced, leading to unreserved obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 50:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Servant of the Lord, who perfectly embodied the characteristics described in this verse. From His incarnation, Jesus' entire life was marked by absolute receptivity to the Father's will; His "ear" was always perfectly "opened" by God, allowing Him to hear and obey every divine instruction (e.g., [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What He Sees the Father Doing")). Unlike humanity's inherent rebellion, Jesus was "not rebellious," demonstrating unwavering submission even unto death on the cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). His resolute commitment meant He "neither turned away back" from the path of suffering and sacrifice set before Him, even in the agonizing moments in Gethsemane where He prayed, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Submission in Gethsemane")). Jesus' perfect obedience, rooted in His divine enablement and human faithfulness, is the foundation of our salvation, for it was through His unblemished life and sacrificial death that He became the "author of eternal salvation to all who obey him" ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Jesus, the Source of Salvation")). Thus, Isaiah 50:5 is a powerful prophetic portrait of Christ's perfect servant-hood, which culminates in His redemptive work on behalf of a rebellious humanity.

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

John 14:31

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Isaiah 35:5

¶ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Isaiah 48:8

Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time [that] thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.