Isaiah 36:5

Authorized King James Version

I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙
I say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אַךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#3
דְּבַר
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
sayest thou (but they are but vain
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#5
עֵצָ֥ה
I have counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#7
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for war
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
#8
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
מִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#11
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
now on whom dost thou trust
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
מָרַ֖דְתָּ
that thou rebellest
to rebel
#14
בִּֽי׃
H0

Analysis

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

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

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