Isaiah 37:26

Authorized King James Version

Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲלֽוֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֤עְתָּ

H8085

Hast thou not heard

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

לְמֵֽרָחוֹק֙

H7350

long ago

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

אוֹתָ֣הּ

H853

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

עָשִׂ֔יתִי

H6213

how I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִ֥ימֵי

H3117

times

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קֶ֖דֶם

H6924

it and of ancient

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

וִיצַרְתִּ֑יהָ

H3335

that I have formed

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

עַתָּ֣ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#10

הֲבֵאתִ֔יהָ

H935

it now have I brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

וּתְהִ֗י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

לְהַשְׁא֛וֹת

H7582

it to pass that thou shouldest be to lay waste

to rush; by implication, to desolate

#13

גַּלִּ֥ים

H1530

heaps

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

#14

נִצִּ֖ים

H5327

into ruinous

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

#15

עָרִ֥ים

H5892

cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#16

בְּצֻרֽוֹת׃

H1219

defenced

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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

People

Isaiah