Isaiah 19:12

Authorized King James Version

Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַיָּם֙
Where
where? hence how?
#2
אֵפ֣וֹא
are they where
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
#3
חֲכָמֶ֔יךָ
are thy wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#4
וְיַגִּ֥ידוּ
men and let them tell
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#5
נָ֖א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#6
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#7
וְיֵ֣דְע֔וּ
thee now and let them know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#9
יָּעַ֛ץ
hath purposed
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#10
יְהוָ֥ה
what the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
מִצְרָֽיִם׃
upon Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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