Isaiah 5:13

5:13 Therefore my ¹  people will be deported ² 

because of their lack of understanding.

Their ³  leaders will have nothing to eat, ⁴ 

their ⁵  masses will have nothing to drink. ⁶ 

Isaiah 40:14

40:14 From whom does he receive directions? ⁷ 

Who ⁸  teaches him the correct way to do things, ⁹ 

or imparts knowledge to him,

or instructs him in skillful design? ¹⁰ 

Isaiah 11:2

11:2 The Lord’s spirit will rest on him ¹¹  –

a spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom, ¹² 

a spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, ¹³ 

a spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the Lord. ¹⁴ 

Isaiah 44:19

44:19 No one thinks to himself,

nor do they comprehend or understand and say to themselves:

‘I burned half of it in the fire –

yes, I baked bread over the coals;

I roasted meat and ate it.

With the rest of it should I make a disgusting idol?

Should I bow down to dry wood?’ ¹⁵ 

[5:13]  ¹ sn It is not certain if the prophet or the Lord is speaking at this point.

[5:13]  ² tn The suffixed (perfect) form of the verb is used; in this way the coming event is described for rhetorical effect as occurring or as already completed.

[5:13]  ³ tn The third masculine singular suffix refers back to “my people.”

[5:13]  ⁴ tn Heb “Their glory will be men of hunger.” כָּבוֹד (kavod, “glory”) is in opposition to הָמוֹן (hamon, “masses”) and refers here to the rich and prominent members of the nation. Some prefer to repoint מְתֵי (mÿtey, “men of”) as מִתֵי (mitey, “dead ones of”).

[5:13]  ⁵ tn The third masculine singular suffix refers back to “my people.”

[5:13]  ⁶ tn Heb “and their masses will be parched [by] thirst.”

[40:14]  ⁷ tn Heb “With whom did he consult, so that he gave discernment to him?”

[40:14]  ⁸ tn Heb “and taught him.” The vav (ו) consecutive with prefixed verbal form continues the previous line. The translation employs an interrogative pronoun for stylistic reasons.

[40:14]  ⁹ tn The phrase אֹרַח מִשְׁפָּט (’orakh mishpat) could be translated “path of justice” (so NASB, NRSV), but in this context, where creative ability and skill is in view, the phrase is better understood in the sense of “the way that is proper or fitting” (see BDB 1049 s.v. מִשְׁפָּט 6); cf. NIV, NCV “the right way.”

[40:14]  ¹⁰ tn Heb “or the way of understanding causes him to know?”

[11:2]  ¹³ sn Like David (1 Sam 16:13), this king will be energized by the Lord’s spirit.

[11:2]  ¹⁴ tn Heb “a spirit of wisdom and understanding.” The synonyms are joined here to emphasize the degree of wisdom he will possess. His wisdom will enable him to make just legal decisions (v. 3). A very similar phrase occurs in Eph 1:17.

[11:2]  ¹⁵ tn Heb “a spirit of counsel [or “strategy”] and strength.” The construction is a hendiadys; the point is that he will have the strength/ability to execute the plans/strategies he devises. This ability will enable him to suppress oppressors and implement just policies (v. 4).

[11:2]  ¹⁶ tn Heb “a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” “Knowledge” is used here in its covenantal sense and refers to a recognition of God’s authority and a willingness to submit to it. See Jer 22:16. “Fear” here refers to a healthy respect for God’s authority which produces obedience. Taken together the two terms emphasize the single quality of loyalty to the Lord. This loyalty guarantees that he will make just legal decisions and implement just policies (vv. 4-5).

[44:19]  ¹⁹ tn There is no formal interrogative sign here, but the context seems to indicate these are rhetorical questions. See GKC 473 §150.a.