For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

ISAIAH 50:7KJV
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Isaiah 50:7 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 50:7 mean?

Isaiah 50:7 describes a confidence that comes from knowing the Lord GOD will give help, so the speaker will not be confused or put to shame. Because of this assurance, the speaker is determined and unshakable, setting his face firmly like a flint, certain that he will not be disgraced.

In this part of Isaiah, the speaker is often understood as the servant of the LORD, expressing trust in God's support despite facing opposition or humiliation. The verse uses the image of a face set like flint—a very hard stone—to show unwavering resolve. The context is one of hardship, but the servant’s confidence is rooted in God's help, not in his own strength.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 50:7

  • "help" (עָזַר, ʿāzar): This word means to give aid or support. The verse centers on the idea that God's help is the reason for the servant's confidence.
  • "set" (שִׂים, śîm) and "face" (פָּנִים, pānîm): To "set the face" means to make a firm decision or to be determined. The phrase paints a picture of someone who will not turn aside or be discouraged.
  • "flint" (חַלָּמִישׁ, ḥallāmîš): Flint is a very hard stone, so this word emphasizes the idea of being unyielding or resolute in the face of trouble.
  • "confounded" (כָּלַם, kālam) and "ashamed" (בּוּשׁ, bôsh): Both words relate to disgrace or humiliation, but the verse stresses that with God's help, the servant will not experience these things.

Why Isaiah 50:7 matters

  • Isaiah 50:7 clarifies that the servant’s determination is not stubbornness but a confidence rooted in God’s promised help.
  • The verse connects to the larger section of Isaiah about the suffering servant, showing how trust in God enables endurance through hardship.
  • The strong language about not being ashamed or confounded highlights the difference between human weakness and the strength that comes from relying on God.

Where else these words appear

“flint” Hebrew H2496 · used in 5 verses

  • Deuteronomy 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;
  • Deuteronomy 32:13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
  • Job 28:9 He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.

“confounded” Hebrew H3637 · used in 38 verses

  • Numbers 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
  • Job 19:3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
  • Isaiah 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

“help” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 86:17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.