Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?

ISAIAH 40:13KJV
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Isaiah 40:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 40:13 mean?

Isaiah 40:13 says that the LORD does not depend on anyone else for direction or knowledge. Its two questions expect the answer “no one”: no person has guided the LORD’s Spirit or acted as a teacher to him.

The verse pictures a counsellor advising a ruler. Following the picture of the LORD measuring the waters and heavens in verse 12, Isaiah asks whether anyone could instruct the one who has such power.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 40:13

  • “directed” — תָּכַן (takan): This word can mean to measure or arrange. The related wording in verse 12 links the LORD’s measuring of creation with the question of who could direct his Spirit.
  • “Spirit” — רוּחַ (ruach): This word can refer to spirit, breath, or wind, depending on the setting. Here the KJV reads “Spirit of the LORD,” identifying the one the question concerns.
  • “taught” — יָדַע (yadaʿ): This word often means to know; in the form used here, it can mean to make someone know or teach them. The question pictures a counsellor supplying knowledge to the LORD.

Why Isaiah 40:13 matters

  • The question is about wisdom as well as power. Verse 14 continues by asking who taught the LORD knowledge and showed him the way of understanding.
  • The counsellor image makes the question personal. The verse asks who could stand in a position to advise the LORD, not merely who could explain the workings of the world.
  • The questions support the larger message spoken to Jerusalem. In verse 9, the people of Judah are told, “Behold your God!”

Where else these words appear

“directed” Hebrew H8505 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
  • Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
  • Ezekiel 18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

“counsellor” 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;