Isaiah 11:3

Authorized King James Version

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַהֲרִיח֖וֹ

H7306

And shall make him of quick understanding

properly, to blow, i.e., breathe; only (literally) to smell or (by implication, perceive (figuratively, to anticipate, enjoy)

בְּיִרְאַ֣ת

H3374

in the fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְמַרְאֵ֤ה

H4758

after the sight

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

עֵינָיו֙

H5869

of his eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יִשְׁפּ֔וֹט

H8199

and he shall not judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְמִשְׁמַ֥ע

H4926

after the hearing

a report

#10

אָזְנָ֖יו

H241

of his ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#11

יוֹכִֽיחַ׃

H3198

neither reprove

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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