Isaiah 38:10

Authorized King James Version

I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲנִ֣י

H589

אָמַ֗רְתִּי

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

בִּדְמִ֥י

H1824

in the cutting off

quiet

יָמַ֛י

H3117

of my days

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

אֵלֵ֖כָה

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּשַׁעֲרֵ֣י

H8179

to the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שְׁא֑וֹל

H7585

of the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

פֻּקַּ֖דְתִּי

H6485

I am deprived

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

יֶ֥תֶר

H3499

of the residue

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

#10

שְׁנוֹתָֽי׃

H8141

of my years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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