28 Perhaps the verb is used metonymically here in the sense of “advises” (note the following line).
29 In this context רוּחַ (ruakh) likely refers to the Lord’s “mind,” or mental faculties, rather than his personal Spirit (see 925 ).
30 Heb “or [as] the man of his counsel causes him to know?”
31 Heb “With whom did he consult, so that he gave discernment to him?”
32 Heb “and taught him.” The vav (ו) consecutive with prefixed verbal form continues the previous line. The translation employs an interrogative pronoun for stylistic reasons.
33 The phrase אֹרַח מִשְׁפָּט (’orakh mishpat) could be translated “path of justice” (so , ), but in this context, where creative ability and skill is in view, the phrase is better understood in the sense of “the way that is proper or fitting” (see 1049 מִשְׁפָּט 6); cf. , “the right way.”
34 Heb “or the way of understanding causes him to know?” The implied answer to the rhetorical questions in vv. 13–14 is, “No one.” In contrast to Marduk, the creator-god of Mesopotamian myths who receives help from the god of wisdom, the Lord neither needs nor receives any such advice or help. See R. Whybray, Heavenly Counsellor (), 64–77.

In other versions

Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,

or what man shows him his counsel?

Whom did he consult,

and who made him understand?

Who taught him the path of justice,

and taught him knowledge,

and showed him the way of understanding?

Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord,

or instruct the Lord as his counselor?

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,

and who taught him the right way?

Who was it that taught him knowledge,

or showed him the path of understanding?

Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord,

or who gave him counsel?

Who did he consult?

Who gave him understanding

and taught him the paths of justice?

Who taught him knowledge

and showed him the way of understanding?

Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?

Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?

Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice?

Does he need instruction about what is good?

Did someone teach him what is right

or show him the path of justice?

Who has measured up the spirit of Yahweh

or informed him as his counselor?

With whom has he consulted, that he enlightened him

and taught him the path of justice,

and taught him knowledge,

and made the way of understanding known to him?

Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord,

Or being his counseller hath taught him?

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him,

And taught him in the path of judgment,

And taught him knowledge,

And shewed to him the way of understanding?

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