Isaiah 36:20

Authorized King James Version

Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִ֗י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

Who are they among all the gods

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

אַרְצָ֖ם

H776

of these lands

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָאֵ֔לֶּה

H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

יַצִּ֧יל

H5337

should deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַרְצָ֖ם

H776

of these lands

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

מִיָּדִֽי׃

H3027

out of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#11

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#12

יַצִּ֧יל

H5337

should deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#13

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

that the LORD

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

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#16

מִיָּדִֽי׃

H3027

out of my hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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

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

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?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 36 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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