Isaiah 34:16

Authorized King James Version

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

דִּרְשׁ֨וּ

H1875

Seek ye out

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

מֵֽעַל

H5921

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

סֵ֤פֶר

H5612

of the book

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

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּֽקְרָ֔אוּ

H7121

and read

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

אַחַ֤ת

H259

no one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהֵ֙נָּה֙

H2007

of these

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

נֶעְדָּ֔רָה

H5737

shall fail

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

#10

אִשָּׁ֥ה

H802

none

a woman

#11

רְעוּתָ֖הּ

H7468

her mate

a female associate; generally an additional one

#12

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

פָקָ֑דוּ

H6485

shall want

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#15

פִי֙

H6310

for my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#16

ה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#17

צִוָּ֔ה

H6680

it hath commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#18

וְרוּח֖וֹ

H7307

and his spirit

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

#19

ה֥וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#20

קִבְּצָֽן׃

H6908

it hath gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah