Isaiah 36:9

Authorized King James Version

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֣יךְ

H349

how? or how!; also where

תָּשִׁ֗יב

H7725

How then wilt thou turn away

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵ֠ת

H853

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

פְּנֵ֨י

H6440

the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פַחַ֥ת

H6346

captain

a prefect (of a city or small district)

אַחַ֛ד

H259

of one

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

עַבְדֵ֥י

H5650

servants

a servant

אֲדֹנִ֖י

H113

of my master's

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַקְטַנִּ֑ים

H6996

of the least

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#10

וַתִּבְטַ֤ח

H982

and put thy trust

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

#11

לְךָ֙

#12

עַל

H5921

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

#13

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

on Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#14

לְרֶ֖כֶב

H7393

for chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#15

וּלְפָרָשִֽׁים׃

H6571

and for horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

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 revelation 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 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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Isaiah