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Isaiah 41:28

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 41:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
Isaiah 41:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 41

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25I have raised up one from the north, and he is come; from the rising of the sun one that calleth upon my name: and he shall come upon rulers as upon mortar, and as the potter treadeth clay.
26Who hath declared it from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, [He is] right? yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that showeth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.
27[I am the] first [that saith] unto Zion, Behold, behold them; and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
28And when I look, there is no man: even among them there is no counsellor, that, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
29Behold, all of them, their works are vanity [and] nought; their molten images are wind and confusion.
← Isaiah 41:27Isaiah 41:29 →
← Full Chapter 41 Isaiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I beheld, and there was no man, &c.] Among all the Pagan priests and prophets, that could foretell things to come; or could prove that their idols did or could say anything in favour of them: even amongst them, and there was no counsellor: none that could be advocates for these idols, and plead their cause; or could give any good advice and counsel to persons that needed it, and who applied to them or their idols for it: that, when I asked of them, could answer a word; when asked what they had to say on behalf of their gods they worshipped, were dumb and speechless; moreover, all this may be said of the idols themselves, that there was none among them that could foretell a future event,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“no counsellor--no one of the idolatrous soothsayers who could inform (Num 24:14) those who consulted them what would take place. Compare "counsel of His messenger" (Isa 44:26). when I asked--that is, challenged them, in this chapter.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For I beheld - I looked upon the pagan world, among all the pretended prophets, and the priests of pagan idolatry. And there was no man - No man among them who could predict these future events. No counselor - No one qualified to give counsel, or that could anticipate by his sagacity what would take place. That, when I asked of them - In the manner referred to in this chapter. There is no one of whom it could be inquired what would take place in future times. Could answer a word - They were unable to discern what would come to pass, or to predict the events which are referred to here. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For - I looked to see if I could find any man that could foretel future events. No man - Not any, of the idols; for the word man is sometimes used by the Hebrews of brute creatures, and even of lifeless things. No counsellor - Though these idols were often consulted, yet none of them were able to give any solid and certain advice concerning future things. Isaiah 41:29”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I beheld: Isa 63:5; Dan 2:10, Dan 2:11, Dan 4:7, Dan 4:8, Dan 5:8 answer: Heb. return Isaiah 41:29”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification