Isaiah 26:18

Authorized King James Version

We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָרִ֣ינוּ

H2029

We have been with child

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

חַ֔לְנוּ

H2342

we have been 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

כְּמ֖וֹ

H3644

we have as it were

as, thus, so

יָלַ֣דְנוּ

H3205

brought forth

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

ר֑וּחַ

H7307

wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְשׁוּעֹת֙

H3444

any deliverance

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

וּבַֽל

H1077

neither

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

נַ֣עֲשֶׂה

H6213

we have not wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

וּבַֽל

H1077

neither

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

#11

יִפְּל֖וּ

H5307

fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#12

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י

H3427

have the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

תֵבֵֽל׃

H8398

of the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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