Old Testament
Isaiah 42:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Look at my servant, whom I support; my chosen one, in whom my soul delights. I have put my Spirit on him, and he will bring judgment to the Gentiles.
Compare translations
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.
What Isaiah 42:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 42:1, God introduces His servant, who is chosen and supported by Him. This servant is someone in whom God takes great pleasure, indicating a special relationship. The verse highlights that God has empowered this servant with His Spirit, enabling him to carry out a significant mission. The servant's role includes bringing justice and judgment, not just to Israel but to all nations, referred to as the Gentiles. This suggests a universal scope of his influence and authority. The passage emphasizes God's commitment to justice and righteousness through this servant, who embodies divine qualities and will lead others towards fairness and truth. This servant is often interpreted as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ, who fulfills these roles in the New Testament, bringing hope and salvation to all people.
How to apply Isaiah 42:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of being servants in our own lives, supported by God. We can seek to embody the qualities of justice and righteousness in our actions, reflecting God's love and truth to those around us, regardless of their background.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 42:1
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 42:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 42:1 say about God's servant?
Isaiah 42:1 introduces God's servant as someone He supports and delights in. This servant is chosen by God and empowered with His Spirit to fulfill a significant mission of bringing judgment and justice to the Gentiles, indicating a role that extends beyond Israel to all nations.
How is the servant in Isaiah 42:1 related to Jesus?
Many Christians interpret the servant in Isaiah 42:1 as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ. This connection is drawn from the belief that Jesus embodies the qualities of God's chosen servant, bringing justice, righteousness, and salvation to all people, fulfilling the mission outlined in this verse.
How can we apply Isaiah 42:1 in our lives today?
Isaiah 42:1 encourages us to embrace servanthood in our own lives, seeking to reflect God's qualities of justice and righteousness. By being supportive and loving towards others, we can embody the spirit of this verse, promoting fairness and truth in our communities and relationships.
What themes are highlighted in Isaiah 42:1?
Isaiah 42:1 highlights several key themes, including servanthood, divine support, the concept of the chosen one, God's delight in His servant, empowerment by the Spirit, and a universal mission of justice. These themes underscore God's commitment to righteousness and the significant role of His servant.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.