Isaiah 40:13

13 Can anyone tell the Lord what to do? ¹ Who can teach him or give him advice?

Isaiah 40:13 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 40:13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord
In the creation of all things, in garnishing the heavens, and moving upon the face of the waters? not anyone, angel or man; there were none with him, nor did he need any to guide and direct him what to do ^F19: or being his counsellor, hath taught him?
or, "the man of his counsel {t}"; there was no other than the Wonderful Counsellor, the Angel of the great council, the essential Word of God, whose spirit is here spoken of.

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FOOTNOTES:

F19 The Targum is, "who hath directed the Holy Spirit in the mouth of all the prophets? is it not the Lord?" which agrees with the accents; for so according to them the words should be rendered "who hath directed the Spirit? the Lord"; so Reinbeck, de Accent. Heb. p. 418. and who renders the next clause, and he hath made the man of his counsel (Moses) to know that.
F20 (wtue vya) "vir a consiliis", Junius & Tremellius Piscator.

Isaiah 40:13 In-Context

11 He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.

12 Can anyone measure the ocean by handfuls or measure the sky with his hands? Can anyone hold the soil of the earth in a cup or weigh the mountains and hills on scales?

13 Can anyone tell the Lord what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice?

14 With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done?

15 To the Lord the nations are nothing, no more than a drop of water; the distant islands are as light as dust.

Cross References

• 1. 40.13Romans 11.34;1 Corinthians 2.16.