This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.

ISAIAH 28:29KJV
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Isaiah 28:29 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 28:29 mean?

Isaiah 28:29 says that the wisdom and skill shown in the world ultimately come from the LORD of hosts, who is described as wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. This verse highlights that God’s guidance and actions are both remarkable and effective, surpassing human ability.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet is speaking to the people of Judah, using the example of a wise farmer to illustrate how God gives practical wisdom for daily life. The verse concludes a section showing that just as farmers know what to do because God gives them understanding, so God’s plans and actions in history are perfectly wise and skillful.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 28:29

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh, H3068): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel and His supreme authority.
  • hosts (צְבָאוֹת, tseva’ot, H6635): Often translated as “armies” or “hosts,” this title underlines God’s command over all heavenly and earthly powers, showing His unmatched power.
  • wonderful (הִפְלִיא, hifli, H6381): This word means “to be extraordinary or marvelous.” It suggests that God’s counsel is not just good advice but is astonishing and beyond ordinary human wisdom.
  • excellent (הִגְדִּיל, higdil, H1431): This word means “to be great or magnificent.” It emphasizes that God’s actions are not just effective but are carried out with greatness and excellence.
  • working (תּוּשִׁיָּה, tushiyyah, H8454): This word refers to sound wisdom, success, or effective action. It highlights that God’s plans are not only wise in theory but also work out successfully in practice.

Why Isaiah 28:29 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that human wisdom or skill is self-made; it points out that all true understanding and success come from God.
  • Isaiah 28:29 emphasizes that God’s guidance is both extraordinary and practical, connecting His wisdom to real-life effectiveness.
  • The verse ties together the whole section’s message: just as farmers rely on God-given wisdom, so should the people trust in God’s plans for their nation, even when they do not fully understand them.

Where else these words appear

“working” Hebrew H8454 · used in 12 verses

  • Job 5:12 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
  • Job 12:16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.
  • Proverbs 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

“wonderful” Hebrew H6381 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 21:16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

“excellent” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 10:15 Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.