Old Testament
Isaiah 11:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Isaiah 11:2, the verse describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord that will rest upon a future leader, often interpreted as the Messiah.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
The spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 11:2, the verse describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord that will rest upon a future leader, often interpreted as the Messiah. This Spirit encompasses wisdom and understanding, which guide decision-making and insight. Counsel and might suggest that this leader will have the ability to advise and the strength to act decisively. Knowledge and the fear of the Lord indicate a deep reverence for God and an understanding of His ways. Together, these attributes highlight the ideal characteristics of a ruler who will lead with divine guidance and moral integrity, ensuring justice and righteousness. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual empowerment in leadership, suggesting that true wisdom and strength come from a relationship with God. It reassures believers that God will provide a leader who embodies these qualities, bringing hope and restoration to His people.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 11:2 to your life
In our daily lives, we can seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to cultivate wisdom and understanding. By relying on God's counsel and strength, we can make better decisions and approach challenges with confidence. Embracing a healthy fear of the Lord helps us align our actions with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 11:2 mean?
Isaiah 11:2 describes the qualities of the Spirit of the Lord that will empower a future leader, often seen as the Messiah. This Spirit includes wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a reverent fear of the Lord, indicating the ideal traits for righteous leadership.
What is the meaning of the spirit of wisdom in Isaiah 11:2?
The spirit of wisdom in Isaiah 11:2 refers to the ability to make sound decisions and discern truth. It highlights the importance of having insight and understanding in leadership, guiding actions in alignment with God's will.
What is the significance of the fear of the Lord in Isaiah 11:2?
The fear of the Lord in Isaiah 11:2 signifies a deep respect and reverence for God. It emphasizes that true wisdom and moral integrity in leadership come from recognizing God's authority and aligning one's actions with His principles.
What qualities are mentioned in Isaiah 11:2?
Isaiah 11:2 mentions several qualities: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. These attributes collectively describe the ideal characteristics of a leader who will govern with divine guidance and righteousness.

The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You
The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.