Isaiah 37:4

Authorized King James Version

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוּלַ֡י

H194

if not; hence perhaps

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

hath heard

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

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

It may be the LORD

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

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

אֵ֣ת׀

H853

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

בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים

H1697

the words

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

רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה

H7262

of Rabshakeh

rabshakeh, a babylonian official

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

שְׁלָח֨וֹ

H7971

hath sent

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

#10

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

whom the king

a king

#11

אַשּׁ֤וּר׀

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#12

אֲדֹנָיו֙

H113

his master

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

#13

לְחָרֵף֙

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;

#14

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

#15

חַ֔י

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

#16

וְהוֹכִ֙יחַ֙

H3198

and will reprove

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

#17

בַּדְּבָרִ֔ים

H1697

the words

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

#18

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#19

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

hath heard

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

#20

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

It may be the LORD

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

#21

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ

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

#22

וְנָשָׂ֣אתָ

H5375

wherefore lift up

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

#23

תְפִלָּ֔ה

H8605

thy prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

#24

בְּעַ֥ד

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#25

הַשְּׁאֵרִ֖ית

H7611

for the remnant

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

#26

הַנִּמְצָאָֽה׃

H4672

that is left

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 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?

Related Resources

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

People

Isaiah