Isaiah 29:15

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֛וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
הַמַּעֲמִיקִ֥ים
unto them that seek deep
to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)
#3
מֵֽיהוָ֖ה
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
לַסְתִּ֣ר
to hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#5
עֵצָ֑ה
their counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
בְמַחְשָׁךְ֙
are in the dark
darkness; concretely, a dark place
#8
מַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶ֔ם
and their works
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#9
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
and they say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#11
רֹאֵ֖נוּ
Who seeth
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
וּמִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#13
יֹדְעֵֽנוּ׃
us and who knoweth
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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