Isaiah 26:17

Authorized King James Version

Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּמ֤וֹ
Like
as, thus, so
#2
הָרָה֙
as a woman with child
pregnant
#3
תַּקְרִ֣יב
that draweth near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#4
לָלֶ֔דֶת
the time of her delivery
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#5
תָּחִ֥יל
is in pain
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#6
תִּזְעַ֖ק
and crieth out
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#7
בַּחֲבָלֶ֑יהָ
in her pangs
ruin
#8
כֵּ֛ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
הָיִ֥ינוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
so have we been in thy sight
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
יְהוָֽה׃
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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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