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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 40:13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/40-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/23_Isa_40_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 40:13 - Here is Your God!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/40-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/40-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm" title="Isaiah 40:12">◄</a> Isaiah 40:13 <a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm" title="Isaiah 40:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or <i>being</i> his counseller hath taught him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or <i>as</i> His counselor has taught Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Who has encompassed the Spirit of Yahweh, Or as His counselor has informed Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or has taught Him as His counselor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or who gave him counsel?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or who gave Him His counsel? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Has anyone told the LORD what he must do or given him advice? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Who hath directed the spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD or instructed him as his adviser?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Can anyone tell the LORD what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Who has fathomed the Spirit of the LORD, or as his counselor has taught him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Who comprehends the mind of the LORD, or gives him instruction as his counselor? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Who has known the mind of the LORD, or who has instructed him as his counselor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed Yahweh’s Spirit, or has taught him as his counselor? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Who has meted out the Spirit of YHWH, "" And [being] His counselor, teaches Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Who hath meted out the Spirit of Jehovah, And, being His counsellor, doth teach Him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who measured the spirit of Jehovah? and will a man of his counsel make him to know?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who hath forwarded the spirit of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor, and hath taught him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Who has assisted the Spirit of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor and has revealed things to him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the spirit of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Who has directed the spirit of the LORD, or as his counselor has instructed him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD or who has been to him a counsellor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Who has directed the Spirit of LORD JEHOVAH or who was Lord of Counsel to him?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Who hath meted out the spirit of the LORD? Or who was His counsellor that he might instruct Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Who has known the mind of the Lord? and who has been his counsellor, to instruct him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/40-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=8578" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/40.htm">Here is Your God!</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance? <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/8505.htm" title="8505: ṯik·kên (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to balance, i.e. Measure out; figuratively, arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling.">has directed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">the Spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yō·w·ḏî·‘en·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">or informed Him</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">as His counselor?</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-34.htm">Romans 11:34</a></span><br />“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-16.htm">1 Corinthians 2:16</a></span><br />“For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/15-8.htm">Job 15:8</a></span><br />Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-22.htm">Job 21:22</a></span><br />Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/36-22.htm">Job 36:22-23</a></span><br />Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him? / Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4-5</a></span><br />Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. / Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-18.htm">Jeremiah 23:18</a></span><br />But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-22.htm">Jeremiah 23:22</a></span><br />But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22-31</a></span><br />The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. / From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. / When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">Proverbs 16:1</a></span><br />The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-20.htm">Daniel 2:20-22</a></span><br />and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. / He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-35.htm">Daniel 4:35</a></span><br />All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-5.htm">Psalm 92:5</a></span><br />How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-24.htm">Psalm 104:24</a></span><br />How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor has taught him?</p><p class="hdg">hat directed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-22.htm">Job 21:22</a></b></br> Shall <i>any</i> teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/36-22.htm">Job 36:22,23</a></b></br> Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-22.htm">Luke 10:22</a></b></br> All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and <i>he</i> to whom the Son will reveal <i>him</i>.</p><p class="hdg">his counsellor.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Counsellor</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Counselor</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-25.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-8.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Instruct</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Meted</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-7.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-20.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/41-28.htm">Counsellor</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-28.htm">Counselor</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-2.htm">Directed</a> <a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/daniel/11-33.htm">Instruct</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Meted</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-20.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-33.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-21.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-1.htm">The promulgation of the Gospel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">The preaching of John Baptist foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-9.htm">The preaching of the apostles foretold</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">The prophet, by the omnipotence of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">And his incomparableness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/40-26.htm">Comforts the people.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/40.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and omniscience of God. The rhetorical question implies that no one has the authority or capability to guide or instruct the Spirit of the LORD. In the biblical context, the "Spirit of the LORD" refers to God's active presence and power in the world. This aligns with the creation narrative in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, where the Spirit of God is described as hovering over the waters, indicating divine involvement in creation. The phrase underscores the idea that God's wisdom and plans are beyond human comprehension, resonating with <a href="/job/38-4.htm">Job 38:4</a>, where God questions Job about the creation of the earth, highlighting human limitations.<p><b>or informed Him as His counselor?</b><br>This part of the verse further stresses the incomparability of God's wisdom. The rhetorical question suggests that God requires no advice or counsel from any being, as His understanding is perfect and complete. This is consistent with passages like <a href="/romans/11-34.htm">Romans 11:34</a>, which echoes the sentiment that no one can fathom the mind of the Lord or serve as His advisor. Historically, kings and rulers often had counselors to guide them, but this verse asserts that God, the ultimate King, needs no such guidance. Theologically, this points to the self-sufficiency and omnipotence of God, reinforcing the belief that His plans and purposes are executed with perfect wisdom and knowledge.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is traditionally credited with writing the Book of Isaiah. His prophecies often focus on the themes of judgment and redemption.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_spirit_of_the_lord.htm">The Spirit of the LORD</a></b><br>Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is involved in creation, revelation, and the empowerment of God's people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom Isaiah prophesied, often called to repentance and reminded of God's sovereignty and care.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a></b><br>The historical context of much of Isaiah's prophecy, where Israel faced judgment and exile but was also promised future restoration.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_wisdom.htm">God's Sovereignty and Wisdom</a></b><br>Recognize that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding. We are called to trust in His plans and purposes, even when they are not clear to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Approach God with humility, acknowledging that we cannot counsel or direct Him. Our role is to seek His guidance and align our lives with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_holy_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>Rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. As believers, we are invited to seek the Spirit's wisdom in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Trust that God's plans are perfect and for our good, even when we face challenges or uncertainties. His ways are higher than our ways.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a></b><br>Find encouragement in knowing that God is in control. In times of trial, remember that His wisdom and power are at work for our ultimate benefit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_holy_spirit_a_person.htm">Is the Holy Spirit considered a person?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_your_influence_show_faith.htm">What is the significance of anointing in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_humans_teach_an_all-knowing_god.htm">In Job 21:22, how can humans teach God anything if He is described elsewhere as all-knowing and beyond counsel? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_exaltation_mean_in_mormonism.htm">What does exaltation mean in Mormonism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord?</span>--The term, which had been used in a lower sense in <a href="/isaiah/40-7.htm" title="The grass wither, the flower fades: because the spirit of the LORD blows on it: surely the people is grass.">Isaiah 40:7</a>, is here clothed as with a Divine personality, answering, as it were, to the wisdom of <a href="/context/proverbs/8-22.htm" title="The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.">Proverbs 8:22-30</a>, with which the whole passage has a striking resemblance. Eastern cosmogonies might represent Bel or Ormuzd, as calling inferior deities into counsel (Cheyne). The prophet finds no other counsellor than One who is essentially one with the Eternal.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord?</span> Mr. Cheyne remarks, that "in Isaiah there is a marked tendency to hypostatize the Spirit;" and the remark is undoubtedly a just one (see <a href="/isaiah/32-15.htm">Isaiah 32:15</a>; <a href="/isaiah/34-16.htm">Isaiah 34:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/48-16.htm">Isaiah 48:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, etc.). In the present place, perhaps, the introduction of "the Spirit of the Lord" arises out of the remembrance of the part in creation which is assigned to the Spirit in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>. He "moved," or "brooded," upon the face of the waters, and thence began the change, or series of changes, by which order was produced out of confusion. The Spirit of the Lord "directed," or regulated, these changes; but who, Isaiah asks, "directed," or regulated, the Spirit itself? Can it be supposed that he too had a director over him? Isaiah does not seriously doubt on this point, or "leave it an open question." He makes his inquiry by way of a <span class="accented">reductio ad absurdum.</span> Is it not absurd to suppose that he had a director or a counsellor? He does not - here, at any rate - so far "hypostatize the Spirit" as to view him as a Person distinct from the Person of God the Father, working under him, and carrying out his will. <span class="cmt_word">Or being his counsellor hath taught him?</span> "The Lord <span class="accented">by wisdom</span> founded the earth" (<a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Proverbs 3:19</a>); but he was his own counsellor. He had no adviser external to himself. The wisdom which wrought with him was his own wisdom, an essential part of the Divine essence. The evangelical prophet approaches those mysteries of God's nature which the gospel brought to light, but cannot penetrate them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/40-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(mî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has directed</span><br /><span class="heb">תִכֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(ṯik·kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8505.htm">Strong's 8505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To balance, measure out, arrange, equalize, levelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֖וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or who has given Him</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹדִיעֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ḏî·‘en·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">counsel?</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲצָת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ṣā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/40-13.htm">Isaiah 40:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/40-13.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:13 Who has directed the Spirit of Yahweh (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 40:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/40-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 40:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 40:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>