Since the LORD is speaking in verses 1-4, Good News Translation begins with “The LORD says,” and places double quote marks around his speech (similarly Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). Other languages may find this helpful.

With the word Behold, Yahweh calls attention to his servant. Translators should render it in some appropriate way (see the examples below). Most versions consulted translate it “Here is” (for example, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version), but it is unlikely that the addressees could actually see the servant as Yahweh presented him.

My servant, whom I uphold: As noted in the introductory comments on this section [42.1-9], Yahweh does not name his servant, but he focuses on his role. This adds to the mystery and provokes heightened expectation here. For servant see the comments on 20.3 and 41.8. Whom I uphold refers to God’s support for his servant (see 41.10). He sustains and encourages him. Good News Translation suggests “whom I strengthen.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “behind whom I stand,” and Bible en français courant has “I hold him by the hand.”

My chosen, in whom my soul delights is parallel to the previous line. The Hebrew root rendered chosen is parallel with servant in several other passages in Isa 40–55 (see 41.8-9; 44.1-2; 45.4). My chosen (Good News Translation “the one I have chosen”) links this servant with those chosen by God in the past such as Abraham, Moses, and David. In whom my soul delights speaks of God’s pleasure and delight in him. The Hebrew noun rendered soul refers to the essence of a person (see the comments on 1.14). My soul may be rendered simply “I” (Good News Translation, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

I have put my Spirit upon him: God’s Spirit refers to the power God gives to his servant, so that he can perform his task adequately (see the comments on 11.2). For this line Revised English Bible has “I have put my spirit on him.” Another possible model is “I have given him my power.”

He will bring forth justice to the nations: This is the special task God gives to his servant. For the Hebrew word rendered justice, see the comments on 1.17. Here it can refer to “good social order” based on God’s revealed laws. New Jerusalem Bible calls it “fair judgment,” while New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “the true way.” The Hebrew word translated the nations refers to “all people” (see the comments on 2.2). The servant’s mission will not be to Israel alone.

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• “Now, here is my servant, the one I support,
he is the one I have chosen and who delights me!
I have given him my power,
and he will ensure just order for all nations.

• “Look, this is my servant, the one I uphold,
my chosen one, the one in whom I delight!
I have placed my spirit within him
to bring justice to all peoples.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .