Isaiah 29:16

Authorized King James Version

Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַ֨פְכְּכֶ֔ם

H2017

Surely your turning of things upside down

an upset, i.e., (abstract) perversity

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כְּחֹ֥מֶר

H2563

clay

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

לְיֹצְר֖וֹ

H3335

as the potter's

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

יֵֽחָשֵׁ֑ב

H2803

shall be esteemed

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אָמַ֥ר

H559

say

to say (used with great latitude)

מַעֲשֶׂ֤ה

H4639

for shall the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

עָשָׂ֔נִי

H6213

it He made

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

#10

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#11

עָשָׂ֔נִי

H6213

it He made

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

#12

וְיֵ֛צֶר

H3336

me not or shall the thing framed

a form; figuratively, conception (i.e., purpose)

#13

אָמַ֥ר

H559

say

to say (used with great latitude)

#14

לְיֹצְר֖וֹ

H3335

as the potter's

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

#15

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#16

הֵבִֽין׃

H995

it He had no understanding

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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