Isaiah 42:1
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Isaiah 42 opens the first Servant Song, presenting God's chosen servant and his mission of justice. The Gospels apply this passage to Jesus, especially at His baptism.
What Does Isaiah 42:1 Mean?
Isaiah 42:1 introduces God's chosen servant, the One He upholds, delights in, and fills with His Spirit to bring justice to the nations. This is the first of Isaiah's great servant passages, and God Himself speaks, drawing attention with "Behold" to the figure He has appointed for His purposes.
Three things mark this servant. He is upheld by God -- sustained and supported in his mission, never abandoned. He is chosen and delighted in -- the object of God's deep approval and love, "in whom my soul delighteth." And he is anointed with God's Spirit, equipped not by human power but by the Spirit poured out upon him. His mission reaches far beyond one nation: "he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles," extending God's justice and right order to all peoples. The Gospels apply this passage to Jesus, especially at His baptism, when the Spirit descended and the Father declared His delight in the beloved Son. The verse reveals the heart of God's saving plan: a servant who works gently and faithfully to establish justice in all the earth. For the reader, it unveils the kind of deliverer God sends -- Spirit-filled, divinely loved, and sent for the sake of the whole world.
In the Original Language
"Servant" is eved, one who serves. "Mine elect" is bechiri, my chosen one. "Delighteth" is ratzah, to take pleasure in or favor.
Cross References
“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him.”
- Matthew 12:18
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
- Matthew 3:17
“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding.”
- Isaiah 11:2
Application
Look to the servant God delights in and fills with His Spirit, and let his gentle pursuit of justice shape how you serve the world.