What does Isaiah 11:2 mean?

Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) reads: "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."

This verse comes from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament, and it is a prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, who is believed by Christians to be Jesus Christ. In this verse, Isaiah describes the qualities and characteristics that the Messiah will possess, all of which are attributed to the Spirit of the Lord.

The first part of the verse, "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him," signifies the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Messiah. This sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the Spirit's attributes and qualities that will manifest in the Messiah's life and ministry.

The first attribute mentioned is "the spirit of wisdom." Wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge and understanding. This implies that the Messiah will possess profound insight and discernment, enabling him to lead and guide his followers with divine wisdom.

Following wisdom, the verse mentions "the spirit of understanding." This indicates that the Messiah will have the ability to comprehend the deeper meaning of spiritual truth and the complexities of human nature. It implies that he will have empathy and insight into the hearts and minds of people, allowing him to minister to their needs in a profound and compassionate manner.

The next attribute is "the spirit of counsel." Counsel refers to giving advice and guidance that is wise and beneficial. This suggests that the Messiah will be a source of divine counsel and guidance for his followers, providing them with the wisdom and direction they need to navigate life's challenges and dilemmas.

The verse also speaks of "the spirit of might." This indicates that the Messiah will possess strength and power, both spiritually and physically. He will have the ability to overcome obstacles, conquer evil, and establish God's kingdom with authority and force.

The fifth attribute mentioned is "the spirit of knowledge." Knowledge refers to awareness and understanding of truth, and in this context, it signifies that the Messiah will be a repository of divine knowledge, possessing profound insights about God and his purposes.

Finally, the verse speaks of "the fear of the Lord." This does not imply a fear of being punished, but rather a deep reverence and awe for God. It signifies that the Messiah will have a profound respect and submission to God, acknowledging his sovereignty and aligning his will with the divine purpose.

This verse has profound implications for Christians, as it describes the qualities and attributes that they believe Jesus Christ possesses as the Messiah. It highlights his wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and reverence for God, which are central to his mission and ministry on earth.

The context of this verse is within the larger prophetic vision of Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of his kingdom. The preceding verses in Isaiah 11 speak about the lineage of the Messiah, the characteristics of his reign, and the transformation that will occur in the natural world. This verse, therefore, plays a crucial role in painting a comprehensive picture of the Messiah and what he will bring to the world.

Symbolically, this verse represents the attributes of the Holy Spirit that will be manifested in the Messiah. It illustrates the divine qualities that believers attribute to Jesus Christ, emphasizing his role as a wise and compassionate leader who will bring divine guidance, strength, and knowledge to his followers.

In conclusion, Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) is a powerful and prophetic verse that delineates the qualities and characteristics of the Messiah, as foretold in the Old Testament. It underscores the wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and reverence for God that the Messiah will possess, symbolizing the profound impact and influence that he will have on the world. For Christians, this verse is a testament to the divine nature and mission of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the embodiment of the Spirit of the Lord.

Artwork for Isaiah 11:2

Isaiah 11:2 - "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;"

"And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;" - Isaiah 11:2

Isaiah 11:1

Isaiah 2:11 - "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."

2 Kings 20:11 - "And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz."

Isaiah 11

Isaiah 55:11

Isaiah 11:1-9

Isaiah 11:1-9

Isaiah 11:1-9

Isaiah 28:11 - "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people."

Isaiah 43:11 - "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."

Isaiah 11:5 - "And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."

Isaiah 24:11 - "There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone."

Isaiah 2:1 - "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem."

"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day." - Isaiah 2:11

Isaiah 49:11 - "And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted."

Isaiah 7:11 - "Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."

Isaiah 3:11 - "Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him."

Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah 12:2

Isaiah 45:2

Isaiah 11:1 - "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:"

Isaiah 9:11 - "Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;"

Isaiah 16:11 - "Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-haresh."

Isaiah 21:11 - "¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"

Isaiah chapter 2

Isaiah 53:2

2 Samuel 11:11

Isaiah 10:11 - "Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?"