Isaiah 12:5

Authorized King James Version

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זַמְּר֣וּ
Sing
properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so
#2
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
גֵא֖וּת
excellent things
the same as h1346
#5
עָשָׂ֑ה
for he hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
מיּדַ֥עַת
this is known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
זֹ֖את
this (often used adverb)
#8
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
in all the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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

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