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
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto …
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my …
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant …
Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
Behold, the Lord God will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old …
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word …
Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I …
And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe …
But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.