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The first of four messianic titles in Isaiah 9:6 — Christ is the supremely wise counselor, the source of every true wisdom, who gives counsel for every need.
'Wonderful Counselor' is the first of four titles in Isaiah 9:6, predicting the coming Messiah. The Hebrew may be read as 'Wonderful, Counselor' (two titles) or as 'Wonderful Counselor' (one compound title) — the meaning converges either way. Wonderful (Hebrew 'pele') means extraordinary, miraculous, surpassing — the same word used of the angel of the LORD's name in Judges 13:18. Counselor (Hebrew 'yoetz') refers to one who gives wise advice, plans, and guidance — like a king's chief counselor. In Christ, both are united. He is the wonderful one whose counsel is supreme. Christ as Counselor. (1) He has 'all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3). (2) The Spirit of counsel rests upon him (Isaiah 11:2). (3) He gives wisdom freely (James 1:5). (4) He guides his people (John 16:13). (5) He invites the weary to learn from him (Matthew 11:28-29). His counsel is for every season of life. To trust Christ as Wonderful Counselor is to bring every decision, every confusion, every burden to him in prayer and Scripture — and to receive his wisdom. He is not just a teacher among many; his counsel is uniquely wise, uniquely sufficient, uniquely good. In a world full of competing voices and inadequate advice, the church has Christ — the wonder among counselors.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might.”
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.”
Bring every decision to Christ. Pray for his wisdom (James 1:5). Listen to him through Scripture. Take his yoke and learn from him (Matthew 11:29). Refuse the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1:1). Christ's counsel is wonderful — supremely wise, freely given, perfectly true. Trust him as your counselor.
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) is the first of four messianic titles predicted by Isaiah. Wonderful (pele) means extraordinary, miraculous; Counselor (yoetz) means wise advisor. In Christ, both are united — he is the wonder among counselors. Colossians 2:3 — 'in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' He gives counsel wisely, freely, and sufficiently for every need.
Through Scripture (his words preserved for us), prayer (asking him), the Spirit (the indwelling Counselor — John 14:26), and the church (other Christians as channels of his wisdom). Christ's counsel is available to every believer. He invites: 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me' (Matthew 11:29).
Both are called Counselor. Isaiah 9:6 calls Christ the Wonderful Counselor. John 14:16, 26 calls the Holy Spirit 'another Comforter' (Greek 'paraklētos,' translated as Comforter, Counselor, or Advocate). Both are at work — Christ is the wonderful counselor who has spoken finally in his word; the Spirit is the indwelling counselor who applies Christ's truth to the believer's life.
Isaiah 9:6 predicts the coming Messiah with four glorious titles: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Each reveals a dimension of Christ's identity and work. All four are fulfilled in Jesus. The verse is one of the great messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, often sung at Christmas (e.g., Handel's Messiah).