Isaiah 35:4

Authorized King James Version

Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אִמְרוּ֙
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לְנִמְהֲרֵי
to them that are of a fearful
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#3
לֵ֔ב
heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
חִזְק֖וּ
Be strong
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#5
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#6
תִּירָ֑אוּ
fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#7
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#8
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
even God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
נָקָ֣ם
with vengeance
revenge
#10
יָב֖וֹא
he will come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
גְּמ֣וּל
with a recompence
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#12
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
even God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#13
ה֥וּא
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
#14
יָב֖וֹא
he will come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
וְיֹשַׁעֲכֶֽם׃
and save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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