Isaiah 42:1
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.
Study Note
Study Note
The first of the four Servant Songs opens with God presenting his chosen one: 'Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.' The verb 'uphold' (Hebrew tamak) conveys active, ongoing sustaining support rather than mere appointment, distinguishing this Servant relationship from typical royal or prophetic commissions. Matthew 12:18-21 quotes this verse as fulfilled in Jesus following a healing controversy, making it the Servant text most explicitly applied to Christ in the Synoptics. The promise that he will 'bring forth judgment to the Gentiles' places universal justice at the center of the Servant's mission from the opening line.
Other Translations
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
Lo, My servant, I take hold on him, My chosen one--My soul hath accepted, I have put My Spirit upon him, Judgment to nations he bringeth forth.
See my servant, whom I am supporting, my loved one, in whom I take delight: I have put my spirit on him; he will give the knowledge of the true God to the nations.
Cross References
Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; …
I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, …
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel …
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe …
And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I …