Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

ISAIAH 50:10KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 50:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 50:10 mean?

Isaiah 50:10 calls out to those who respect and listen to God, even when they feel lost or confused, urging them to keep trusting in God’s character and rely on Him. The verse encourages faith and dependence on God, especially for people who are doing their best to follow Him but still find themselves in darkness without clear direction.

In this part of Isaiah, the prophet speaks to people who "fear the LORD" and "obey the voice of his servant"—likely referring to God’s faithful followers who listen to His chosen messenger. The situation is one where even the faithful can experience times of darkness or uncertainty, yet they are told to keep trusting in God’s name and to lean on Him for support. This verse highlights that faith is not just for easy times, but especially for moments when God’s presence or guidance is hard to see.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 50:10

  • "Feareth" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word means to have deep respect or reverence, not just fear. The verse is speaking to those who truly honor God, not just those who are scared of Him.
  • "Walketh in darkness" (הֹלֵךְ חֹשֶׁךְ, holekh choshekh): The phrase describes someone living through confusion, trouble, or uncertainty, not literal darkness. It shows that even devoted believers can feel lost at times.
  • "Trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to put full confidence or reliance in someone. Here, it’s a call to place that kind of trust in God’s name—His character and reputation.
  • "Stay" (שָׁעַן, sha’an): This means to lean on or depend on for support. The verse is urging believers to lean on God as their support when they have nothing else to hold onto.

Why Isaiah 50:10 matters

  • Isaiah 50:10 clears up the idea that faithful people will always feel certain or see clear guidance; it shows that even those who respect and obey God can go through confusing or dark times.
  • The verse emphasizes that trusting God is not based on feelings or visible evidence, but on God’s character ("the name of the LORD") and faithfulness.
  • This verse connects to the larger section in Isaiah where God’s servant faces suffering and rejection, reminding readers that faithfulness sometimes means trusting through hardship, not just in times of blessing.

Where else these words appear

“darkness” Hebrew H2825 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • Psalms 82:5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.
  • Psalms 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

“light” Hebrew H5051 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 60:19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
  • Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

“stay” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 2 Kings 7:17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
  • Job 24:23 Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.

“feareth” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 119:79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.