Isaiah 10:13

Authorized King James Version

For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֗ר

H559

For he saith

to say (used with great latitude)

בְּכֹ֤חַ

H3581

By the strength

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

יָדִי֙

H3027

of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

עָשִׂ֔יתִי

H6213

I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּבְחָכְמָתִ֖י

H2451

it and by my wisdom

wisdom (in a good sense)

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נְבֻנ֑וֹתִי

H995

for I am prudent

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְאָסִ֣יר׀

H5493

and I have removed

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

#10

גְּבוּלֹ֣ת

H1367

the bounds

a boundary, region

#11

עַמִּ֗ים

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

וַעֲתֽיּדֹתֵיהֶם֙

H6264

prepared; by implication, skilful; feminine plural the future; also treasure

#13

שׁוֹשֵׂ֔תִי

H8154

and have robbed

to plunder

#14

וְאוֹרִ֥יד

H3381

and I have put down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#15

כַּאבִּ֖יר

H47

like a valiant

a valiant one

#16

יוֹשְׁבִֽים׃

H3427

the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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