Isaiah 50:4
New International Version
The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

New Living Translation
The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.

English Standard Version
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Berean Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

King James Bible
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

New King James Version
“The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.

New American Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, So that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

NASB 1995
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

NASB 1977
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Legacy Standard Bible
Lord Yahweh has given Me the tongue of disciples, That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Amplified Bible
The Lord GOD has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

Christian Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens me each morning; he awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of those who are instructed to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me each morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being instructed.

American Standard Version
The Lord Jehovah hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD God gives me the right words to encourage the weary. Each morning he awakens me eager to learn his teaching;

English Revised Version
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I should know how to sustain with words him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as they that are taught.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Almighty LORD will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student.

Good News Translation
The Sovereign LORD has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning he makes me eager to hear what he is going to teach me.

International Standard Version
"The Lord GOD has given me a learned tongue, so that I may know how to sustain the weary with words. And morning after morning he wakens, and he wakens my ear to listen like those who are being taught.

Majority Standard Bible
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

NET Bible
The sovereign LORD has given me the capacity to be his spokesman, so that I know how to help the weary. He wakes me up every morning; he makes me alert so I can listen attentively as disciples do.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Webster's Bible Translation
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth my ear to hear as the learned.

World English Bible
The Lord Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary. He awakens morning by morning, he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Lord YHWH has given to Me "" The tongue of taught ones, "" To know to aid the weary [by] a word, "" He awakens [Me] morning by morning, "" He awakens [My] ear to hear as taught ones.

Young's Literal Translation
The Lord Jehovah hath given to me The tongue of taught ones, To know to aid the weary by a word, He waketh morning by morning, He waketh for me an ear to hear as taught ones.

Smith's Literal Translation
The Lord Jehovah gave to me the tongue of the expert to know to help the weary with a word: he will rouse up in the morning by morning, he will rouse up to me the ear to hear as the expert.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord hath given me a learned tongue, that I should know how to uphold by word him that is weary: he wakeneth in the morning, in the morning he wakeneth my ear, that I may hear him as a master.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The Lord has given me a learned tongue, so that I would know how to uphold with a word, one who has weakened. He rises in the morning, he rises to my ear in the morning, so that I may heed him like a teacher.

New American Bible
The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to answer the weary a word that will waken them. Morning after morning he wakens my ear to hear as disciples do;

New Revised Standard Version
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak and declare a word to the weary; he wakens me in the morning; in the morning he causes my ears to hear the teaching.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH God gave to me the tongue of learning, that I shall make known and I shall show the word to the troubled. I shall awaken at dawn, at dawn he shall make for me an ear to hear learning
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The Lord GOD hath given me The tongue of them that are taught, That I should know how to sustain with words him that is weary; He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear To hear as they that are taught.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The Lord even God gives me the tongue of instruction, to know when it is fit to speak a word: he has appointed for me early, he has given me an ear to hear:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Servant's Obedience
4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. 5The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back.…

Cross References
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

John 7:16-17
“My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. / If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.

Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Matthew 13:54
Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked.

John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

John 12:49-50
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

John 14:10
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. / And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ...

Hebrews 5:8
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.

Psalm 45:2
You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.

Psalm 119:27
Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.

Psalm 119:71
It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.

Proverbs 15:23
A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.


Treasury of Scripture

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as the learned.

God

Exodus 4:11,12
And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? …

Psalm 45:2
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Jeremiah 1:9
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

a word

Isaiah 57:15-19
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones…

Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

as the

John 7:15-17
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? …

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Able Awakens Disciples Ear Experienced Feeble Hear Instructed Learned Morning Open Season Sense Sovereign Speak Special Sustain Sustains Taught Tongue Weary Word Words
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Able Awakens Disciples Ear Experienced Feeble Hear Instructed Learned Morning Open Season Sense Sovereign Speak Special Sustain Sustains Taught Tongue Weary Word Words
Isaiah 50
1. Christ shows Israel's Sin is not to be imputed to him,
2. by his ability to save
5. By his obedience in that work
7. And by his confidence in that assistance
10. An exhortation to trust in God, and not in ourselves














The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the speaker's wisdom and ability to teach. In the context of Isaiah, this is often seen as a reference to the Servant of the Lord, a figure who embodies obedience and wisdom. The "tongue of discipleship" suggests a learned and trained ability to communicate God's truth effectively. This can be connected to Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Servant prophecies in Isaiah. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently depicted as a teacher with unparalleled authority and wisdom (Matthew 7:28-29).

to sustain the weary with a word
The purpose of the Servant's teaching is to provide comfort and encouragement to those who are weary. This reflects the compassionate nature of God, who cares for the downtrodden and oppressed. In the historical context, the Israelites were often in need of such encouragement, especially during times of exile and hardship. This phrase can also be linked to Jesus' ministry, where He offers rest to the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30).

He awakens Me morning by morning
This indicates a continual and daily renewal of the Servant's mission and purpose. The phrase suggests a disciplined and consistent relationship with God, where the Servant receives guidance and strength each day. This can be seen as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of daily devotion and reliance on God. In the Gospels, Jesus is shown to have a regular practice of prayer and communion with the Father, often rising early to pray (Mark 1:35).

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple
The emphasis here is on the Servant's receptiveness and obedience to God's instruction. Listening "as a disciple" implies a posture of humility and readiness to learn. This is crucial for understanding the role of the Servant, who is both a teacher and a learner. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the ideal relationship between God and His people, where they are attentive and responsive to His voice. Jesus exemplifies this perfect obedience and attentiveness to the Father's will, as seen in His statements about doing only what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD (Yahweh)
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who empowers and instructs His servant.

2. The Servant
Often interpreted as the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfect disciple and teacher.

3. The Weary
Those who are burdened, tired, or in need of encouragement and strength.

4. Discipleship
The process of learning and following the teachings of a master, in this context, the teachings of God.

5. Morning by Morning
A phrase indicating regular, daily communication and renewal with God.
Teaching Points
The Power of the Word
God equips His servants with words that can uplift and sustain those who are weary. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak life-giving words to others.

Daily Renewal
Just as the servant is awakened morning by morning, believers should seek daily renewal and instruction from God through prayer and scripture.

Listening as a Disciple
True discipleship involves listening attentively to God's voice. We should cultivate a heart that is open and responsive to His guidance.

Empathy and Encouragement
Understanding the needs of the weary requires empathy. We should strive to be sensitive to the struggles of others and offer encouragement.

Christ as Our Example
Jesus, the ultimate servant, models perfect discipleship. We should follow His example in obedience, humility, and service.(4) The Lord God . . .--A new section begins in the form of an abruptly introduced soliloquy. As in Isaiah 49:4, the speaker is the Servant of Jehovah, not Isaiah, though we may legitimately trace in what follows some echoes of the prophet's own experience. The union of the two names Adonai Jahveh (or Jehovah) indicates, as elsewhere, a special solemnity.

The tongue of the learned.--Better, of a disciple, or, well-trained scholar.

That I should know how to speak.--Better, that I should know how to sustain (or, refresh) the weary with a word.

He wakeneth.--The daily teaching of the morning communion with God is contrasted by implication with the dreams and night visions of a less perfect inspiration. An illustration, perhaps a conscious fulfilment, may be found in Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42.

To hear as the learned.--Read disciples, as before. The true Servant is also as a scholar, studious of the Master's will, as are other scholars.

Verses 4-9. - A SOLILOQUY OF THE SERVANT OF JEHOVAH. The separateness of this passage has been maintained in the opening paragraph. That it is not of himself that the prophet here speaks, appears

(1) from the self-assertion (vers, 4, 5, 9);

(2) from the depth of humiliation declared in ver. 6, which is beyond anything recorded of Isaiah. But if he does not speak of himself, he can scarcely speak of any other besides "the Servant," of whom he has already said much (Isaiah 42:1-8; Isaiah 49:1-12), and of whom he has still much more to say (Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12). Verse 4. - The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned; literally, the tongue of disciples; i.e. a trained tongue, a well-taught tongue. Christ "did nothing of himself; as the Father had taught him," so he spoke (John 8:28). That I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary; rather, that I shall know how to sustain by a word him that is weary. Compare, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). He wakeneth morning by morning... mine ear. God held immediate and constant communication with the "Servant" - not enlightening him occasionally, as he did the prophets, by dreams and visions, but continually whispering in his ear. At no time did the Father "leave him alone" (John 8:29) or cease to speak to him. "Morning by morning" is not to be narrowed to the bare literal meaning, but to be taken in the sense of "un-interruptedly." To hear as the learned; rather, to hear as disciples hear; i.e. attentively, submissively, gladly.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהֹוִ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

has given Me
נָ֤תַן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the tongue
לְשׁ֣וֹן (lə·šō·wn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 3956: The tongue

of discipleship,
לִמּוּדִ֔ים (lim·mū·ḏîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3928: Instructed

to sustain
לָע֥וּת (lā·‘ūṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5790: To hasten, succor

the weary
יָעֵ֖ף (yā·‘êp̄)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3287: Fatigued, exhausted

with a word.
דָּבָ֑ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

He awakens Me
יָעִ֣יר ׀ (yā·‘îr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

morning
בַּבֹּ֣קֶר (bab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

by morning;
בַּבֹּ֗קֶר (bab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

He awakens
יָעִ֥יר (yā·‘îr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

My ear
אֹ֔זֶן (’ō·zen)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

to listen
לִשְׁמֹ֖עַ (liš·mō·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

as a disciple.
כַּלִּמּוּדִֽים׃ (kal·lim·mū·ḏîm)
Preposition-k, Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3928: Instructed


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 50:4 The Lord Yahweh has given me (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 50:3
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