New International VersionWhy do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
New Living TranslationO Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
English Standard VersionWhy do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Berean Standard BibleWhy do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
King James BibleWhy sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
New King James VersionWhy do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”?
New American Standard BibleWhy do you say, Jacob, and you assert, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?
NASB 1995Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God “?
NASB 1977Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?
Legacy Standard BibleWhy do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from Yahweh, And the justice due me passes by my God”?
Amplified BibleWhy, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?
Christian Standard BibleJacob, why do you say, and Israel, why do you assert, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
Holman Christian Standard BibleJacob, why do you say, and Israel, why do you assert:” My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God"?
American Standard VersionWhy sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, and the justice due to me is passed away from my God?
Contemporary English VersionYou people of Israel say, "God pays no attention to us! He doesn't care if we are treated unjustly." But how can you say that?
English Revised VersionWhy sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed away from my God?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJacob, why do you complain? Israel, why do you say, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my rights are ignored by my God"?
Good News TranslationIsrael, why then do you complain that the LORD doesn't know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice?
International Standard Version"Jacob, why do you say— and Israel, why do you complain— 'My predicament is hidden from the LORD, and my cause is ignored by my God.'?
NET BibleWhy do you say, Jacob, Why do you say, Israel, "The LORD is not aware of what is happening to me, My God is not concerned with my vindication"?
New Heart English BibleWhy do you say, Jacob, and why do you assert, Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?"
Webster's Bible TranslationWhy sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over by my God? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
World English BibleWhy do you say, Jacob, and speak, Israel, “My way is hidden from Yahweh, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhy say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way has been hid from YHWH, "" And from my God my judgment passes over?”
Young's Literal Translation Why sayest thou, O Jacob? and speakest thou, O Israel? 'My way hath been hid from Jehovah, And from my God my judgment passeth over.'
Smith's Literal TranslationFor what wilt thou say, O Jacob, and wilt thou speak, O Israel, My way was hid from Jehovah, and my judgment will pass over from my God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhy sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel: My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
Catholic Public Domain VersionWhy do you say this, O Jacob, and why do you speak this way, O Israel? “My way has been hidden from the Lord, and my judgment escaped notice by my God.”
New American BibleWhy, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”?
New Revised Standard VersionWhy do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhy do you say, O Jacob, and say, O Israel, My way is hidden from the LORD and justice is not rendered by my God?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedWhy, Yaqob, are you speaking, and you, Israel, say, “My ways are hidden from LORD JEHOVAH, and my judgment passes away from my God?" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Why sayest thou, O Jacob, And speakest, O Israel: 'My way is hid from the LORD, And my right is passed over from my God'?
Brenton Septuagint TranslationFor say not thou, O Jacob, and why hast thou spoken, Israel, saying, My way is hid from God, and my God has taken away my judgement, and has departed?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Here is Your God!… 26Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27Whydo you say,O Jacob,and why do you assert,O Israel,“My wayis hiddenfrom the LORD,and my claimis ignoredby my God”?28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out.…
Cross References Psalm 139:1-4For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...
Psalm 73:11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
Job 23:8-10If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. / When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. / Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Jeremiah 12:1Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
Malachi 2:17You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”
Psalm 10:11He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”
Psalm 77:9Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah
Lamentations 3:39-40Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? / Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.
Habakkuk 1:2-3How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? / Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds.
Psalm 44:24Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression?
Psalm 94:7They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
Matthew 10:29-31Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. / So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. / And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Romans 11:33-36O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...
Hebrews 4:13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Treasury of Scripture Why say you, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God? * sayest Isaiah 49:14,15 But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me… Isaiah 54:6-8 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God… Isaiah 60:15 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went throughthee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Jump to Previous AttentionCauseDisregardedDueEscapesEyesGivesHidHiddenIsraelJacobJudgmentJusticeLord'sNoticePassedPassethRightSpeakSpeakestWayWordsJump to Next AttentionCauseDisregardedDueEscapesEyesGivesHidHiddenIsraelJacobJudgmentJusticeLord'sNoticePassedPassethRightSpeakSpeakestWayWordsIsaiah 40 1.The promulgation of the Gospel3.The preaching of John Baptist foretold9.The preaching of the apostles foretold12.The prophet, by the omnipotence of God18.And his incomparableness26.Comforts the people.Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel,This phrase addresses the people of Israel, using the names "Jacob" and "Israel" interchangeably, which is common in the prophetic literature. Jacob was the patriarch whose name was changed to Israel after wrestling with God ( Genesis 32:28). This dual naming emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The rhetorical question suggests a rebuke or correction, indicating that the people are expressing doubt or misunderstanding about God's awareness and care for them. Historically, this was a period of exile and suffering for Israel, leading to feelings of abandonment. “My way is hidden from the LORD,
The phrase reflects a sentiment of despair and perceived neglect. The Israelites felt that their struggles and paths were unnoticed by God. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's omniscience, as seen inPsalm 139:1-4, which affirms that nothing is hidden from God. Theologically, this challenges the Israelites' understanding of God's nature, reminding them that God is always aware of their circumstances. and my claim is ignored by my God”?
This part of the verse expresses a sense of injustice or unanswered prayer. The "claim" refers to their cries for help or justice, which they feel are being overlooked. This sentiment is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the laments found in the Psalms (e.g.,Psalm 13:1-2). Theologically, this reflects a testing of faith, where believers are called to trust in God's timing and justice, even when immediate circumstances seem bleak. The verse challenges the Israelites to remember God's past faithfulness and to trust in His future deliverance, a theme that is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's ultimate response to human suffering and injustice. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobRepresents the nation of Israel, named after the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. This reflects the collective identity and struggles of the people. 2. IsraelThe chosen people of God, often used interchangeably with Jacob, highlighting their covenant relationship with God and their historical journey. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is omniscient and omnipresent, aware of all the ways and claims of His people. 4. The Prophet IsaiahThe author of the book, who served as a prophet during a tumultuous time in Israel's history, bringing messages of both judgment and hope. 5. The Exile ContextThe backdrop of this passage is the Babylonian exile, a period of great distress and questioning of God's presence and justice by the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Omniscience and OmnipresenceGod is fully aware of our circumstances and struggles. We are never hidden from His sight, even when we feel overlooked or forgotten. Trust in God's JusticeWhen we feel that our claims are disregarded, we must trust in God's perfect justice and timing. He sees and will act according to His will. The Importance of Faith in TrialsLike Israel, we may face times of doubt and questioning. These moments are opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on God's promises. God's Covenant FaithfulnessDespite Israel's feelings of abandonment, God's covenant with them remains steadfast. We can trust in His faithfulness to His promises. Encouragement in CommunityAs a community of believers, we should encourage one another, reminding each other of God's presence and care, especially in times of doubt. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 40:27?
2.How does Isaiah 40:27 challenge our perception of God's awareness of our struggles?
3.What does "My way is hidden from the LORD" reveal about human doubt?
4.How can we apply Isaiah 40:27 to strengthen our faith during trials?
5.Connect Isaiah 40:27 with Psalm 139:1-4 about God's knowledge of our lives.
6.How does Isaiah 40:27 encourage us to trust in God's justice and timing?
7.Why does Isaiah 40:27 question God's awareness of human struggles?
8.How does Isaiah 40:27 address feelings of abandonment by God?
9.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 40:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 40?
11.Is there only one shepherd?
12.What is the order of the Bible's books?
13.Isaiah 27:7-9 describes collective punishment or forgiveness--does this conflict with other Old Testament texts emphasizing individual responsibility (e.g., Ezekiel 18)?
14.What is the Annunciation?What Does Isaiah 40:27 Mean Why do you say, O JacobThe Lord speaks tenderly but firmly to His covenant people, calling them by the family name “Jacob.” • God’s question exposes the heart: they have been speaking words of discouragement (Isaiah 49:14). • By addressing them as “Jacob,” He reminds them of their chosen identity first given inGenesis 28:13–15 and affirmed inMalachi 1:2. • The divine “Why?” invites self-examination; it is as though God asks, “Have I ever failed you?”—echoingJoshua 23:14 and1 Samuel 12:24. • The implication: unbelief is out of place for a people who have witnessed Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14:29-31) and wilderness provision (Deuteronomy 8:2-4).
And why do you assert, O IsraelThe repetition (“Jacob… Israel”) doubles down on identity, stressing both the patriarch and the nation birthed from him. • “Assert” suggests a settled complaint, not a passing feeling. ComparePsalm 77:7-9 where similar doubts surface. • God challenges the nation’s public narrative; discouragement spreads quickly (Numbers 14:1-4). • He calls for the remembrance of His past acts (Psalm 105:5), urging them to replace complaining with recounting.
“My way is hidden from the LORDHere is the content of their complaint: “God doesn’t see the path I’m on.” • Such thinking forgets the reality ofProverbs 15:3: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place.” • Hagar learned the opposite when she named Him “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). • To say “hidden” disregards the promise ofIsaiah 49:16—“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” • The statement also ignores His omnipresence declared inPsalm 139:1-12.
And my claim is ignored by my God”The people fear their pleas for justice are unattended, that God no longer advocates for them. • Scripture insists otherwise:Psalm 34:15 affirms, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” • God had already promised vindication (Isaiah 35:4) and later reaffirms it inIsaiah 54:17. • The complaint underestimates His perfect timing (Habakkuk 2:3) and His fatherly discipline (Hebrews 12:5-6). • Believers today must resist the same lie, remembering Jesus’ assurance that no sparrow falls without the Father’s notice (Matthew 10:29-31).
summaryIsaiah 40:27 captures a discouraged nation voicing doubt, yet God meets them with questions that expose unbelief and call them back to faith. He reminds them of who they are (“Jacob… Israel”), confronts their mistaken view that He neither sees nor cares, and redirects their gaze to His constant watchfulness and faithful justice. The verse warns against letting hardship rewrite our theology; instead, we are to anchor ourselves in the unchanging character of the God who always sees, hears, and acts for His people. (27) Why sayest thou, O Jacob.--The eternity and infinity of God is presented not only as rebuking the folly of the idolater, but as the ground of comfort to His people. His is no transient favour, no capricious will. (Comp. Romans 11:29-36.) Verse 27. - O Jacob ... O Israel (For this pleonastic combination, so characteristic of Isaiah, see Isaiah 9:8; Isaiah 10:21, 22; Isaiah 14:1; Isaiah 27:6; Isaiah 29:23, in the earlier chapters; and Isaiah 41:8; Isaiah 42:24; Isaiah 43:1, 22, 28; Isaiah 44:1, 5, 23; Isaiah 45:4; Isaiah 46:3; Isaiah 49:5, 6, etc., in the later ones.) Why sayest thou ... My way is hid? The prophet has gone back to the time when Israel is suffering all the calamities of the Captivity, instead of being on the point of emerging from it, as in vers. 9-11, and he now hears the complaints of the exiles, who think that God has forsaken them - that he does not see their "way" of life, or regard their sufferings. My judgment. Delitzsch and Mr. Cheyne translate "my right," and understand the "right" of Israel to be independent of its oppressors.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Whyלָ֤מָּה(lām·māh)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatdo you say,תֹאמַר֙(ṯō·mar)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayO Jacob,יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descand why do you assert,וּתְדַבֵּ֖ר(ū·ṯə·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueO Israel,יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc“My wayדַרְכִּי֙(ḏar·kî)Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1870:A road, a course of life, mode of actionis hiddenנִסְתְּרָ֤ה(nis·tə·rāh)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5641:To hide, concealfrom the LORD,מֵֽיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland my claimמִשְׁפָּטִ֥י(miš·pā·ṭî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleis ignoredיַעֲבֽוֹר׃(ya·‘ă·ḇō·wr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass onby my God”?וּמֵאֱלֹהַ֖י(ū·mê·’ĕ·lō·hay)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say Jacob and speak (Isa Isi Is) |
