Isaiah 41:28

28 For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer^[a] a word.

Isaiah 41:28 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 41:28

For I beheld, and there was no man
Among all the Pagan priests and prophets, that could foretell things to come; or could prove that their idols did or could say anything in favour of them: even amongst them, and there was no counsellor:
none that could be advocates for these idols, and plead their cause; or could give any good advice and counsel to persons that needed it, and who applied to them or their idols for it: that, when I asked of them, could answer a word;
when asked what they had to say on behalf of their gods they worshipped, were dumb and speechless; moreover, all this may be said of the idols themselves, that there was none among them that could foretell a future event, or give any wholesome counsel to their worshippers, or could say anything in their own defence; and therefore, to close the controversy, the following sentence is pronounced.

Isaiah 41:28 In-Context

26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

27 The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.

28 For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

29 Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

Footnotes

• [a]. answer: Heb. return