Isaiah 29:12

Authorized King James Version

And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִתַּ֣ן

H5414

is delivered

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

סֵֽפֶר׃

H5612

And the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

עַל֩

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

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

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֖עְתִּי

H3045

I am not learned

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

סֵֽפֶר׃

H5612

And the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

וְאָמַ֕ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

קְרָ֣א

H7121

Read

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#10

נָא

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

#11

זֶ֑ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

וְאָמַ֕ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

יָדַ֖עְתִּי

H3045

I am not learned

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#15

סֵֽפֶר׃

H5612

And the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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