Isaiah 37:17

Authorized King James Version

Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַטֵּ֨ה

H5186

Incline

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

O LORD

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

אָזְנְךָ֙

H241

thine ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְּקַ֧ח

H6491

open

to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

O LORD

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

עֵינֶ֖ךָ

H5869

thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וּרְאֵ֑ה

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וּשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

אֵ֚ת

H853

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

#11

כָּל

H3605

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

#12

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

all the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

סַנְחֵרִ֔יב

H5576

of Sennacherib

sancherib, an assyrian king

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#15

שָׁלַ֔ח

H7971

which hath sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#16

לְחָרֵ֖ף

H2778

to reproach

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

#17

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

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

#18

חָֽי׃

H2416

the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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