Isaiah 14:32

Authorized King James Version

What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמַֽה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יַּעֲנֶ֖ה

H6030

What shall one then answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

מַלְאֲכֵי

H4397

the messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

ג֑וֹי

H1471

of the nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

יְהוָה֙

H3068

That the LORD

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

יִסַּ֣ד

H3245

hath founded

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

צִיּ֔וֹן

H6726

Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

וּבָ֥הּ

#10

יֶחֱס֖וּ

H2620

shall trust

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

#11

עֲנִיֵּ֥י

H6041

and the poor

depressed, in mind or circumstances

#12

עַמּֽוֹ׃

H5971

of his people

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

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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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