Isaiah 26:9

Authorized King James Version

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נַפְשִׁ֤י

H5315

With my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אִוִּיתִ֙ךָ֙

H183

have I desired

to wish for

בַּלַּ֔יְלָה

H3915

thee in the night

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

אַף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

רוּחִ֥י

H7307

yea with my spirit

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

בְקִרְבִּ֖י

H7130

within

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

אֲשַֽׁחֲרֶ֑ךָּ

H7836

me will I seek thee early

properly, to dawn, i.e., (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking

כִּ֞י

H3588

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

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

מִשְׁפָּטֶ֙יךָ֙

H4941

for when thy judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#11

לָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

are in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

צֶ֥דֶק

H6664

righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

#13

לָמְד֖וּ

H3925

will learn

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

#14

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י

H3427

the inhabitants

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

#15

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

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 righteousness 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 26 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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