Isaiah 21:12

Authorized King James Version

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֣ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

שֹׁמֵ֔ר

H8104

The watchman

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֵתָֽיוּ׃

H857

come

to arrive

בֹ֖קֶר

H1242

The morning

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לָ֑יְלָה

H3915

and also the night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּעָ֖יוּ

H1158

enquire

to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask

בְּעָ֖יוּ

H1158

enquire

to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask

#10

שֻׁ֥בוּ

H7725

ye return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#11

אֵתָֽיוּ׃

H857

come

to arrive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah