Old Testament
Isaiah 40:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why do you say, Jacob, and complain, Israel, 'My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God'?
Compare translations
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
What Isaiah 40:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses the people of Israel, represented by Jacob, who are feeling abandoned and overlooked. They express a sense of despair, believing that their struggles and paths are unnoticed by God. This reflects a common human feeling of isolation during difficult times. God is reminding them that He is aware of their situation and cares deeply about their lives. The verse challenges the notion that God is indifferent to their plight, encouraging them to trust in His presence and justice. It serves as a reminder that even when we feel lost or ignored, God is always aware of our circumstances and is actively involved in our lives. This reassurance is crucial for maintaining faith during trials, as it emphasizes God's constant attention and care for His people, despite their feelings of neglect.
How to apply Isaiah 40:27 to your life
When feeling overlooked or abandoned, remember that God sees and cares for you. Instead of succumbing to despair, bring your concerns to Him in prayer. Trust that He is aware of your struggles and will act in His perfect timing.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Isaiah 40:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Isaiah 40:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 40:27 mean?
Isaiah 40:27 addresses the feelings of abandonment experienced by the people of Israel, symbolized by Jacob. It highlights their belief that God is unaware of their struggles, reminding them that He is always attentive and cares for their circumstances.
What is the meaning of 'my way is hidden from the LORD' in Isaiah 40:27?
The phrase 'my way is hidden from the LORD' reflects a sense of despair and isolation, suggesting that the speaker feels their struggles are unnoticed by God. It emphasizes the human tendency to feel overlooked during difficult times.
How does Isaiah 40:27 relate to feelings of despair?
Isaiah 40:27 connects to feelings of despair by acknowledging the common human experience of feeling abandoned. It reassures believers that even in their darkest moments, God is aware and involved in their lives.
What can we learn from Isaiah 40:27?
From Isaiah 40:27, we learn that God is always aware of our struggles, even when we feel ignored. It encourages us to bring our concerns to Him and trust in His timing and care.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.