Isaiah 11:9

Authorized King James Version

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יָרֵ֥עוּ

H7489

They shall not hurt

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יַשְׁחִ֖יתוּ

H7843

nor destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַ֣ר

H2022

mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִׁ֑י

H6944

in all my holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מָלְאָ֣ה

H4390

shall be full

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#10

הָאָ֗רֶץ

H776

for the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

דֵּעָה֙

H1844

of the knowledge

knowledge

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#14

כַּמַּ֖יִם

H4325

as the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#15

לַיָּ֥ם

H3220

the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

#16

מְכַסִּֽים׃

H3680

cover

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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