Isaiah 37:23

Authorized King James Version

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶת

H853

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

מִ֤י

H4310

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

חֵרַ֙פְתָּ֙

H2778

Whom hast thou reproached

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;

וְגִדַּ֔פְתָּ

H1442

and blasphemed

to hack (with words), i.e., revile

וְעַל

H5921

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

מִ֖י

H4310

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

הֲרִימ֣וֹתָה

H7311

and against whom hast thou exalted

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קּ֑וֹל

H6963

thy voice

a voice or sound

וַתִּשָּׂ֥א

H5375

and lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#10

מָר֛וֹם

H4791

on high

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

#11

עֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

thine eyes

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

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

קְד֥וֹשׁ

H6918

even against the Holy One

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Isaiah