Isaiah 38:11

Authorized King James Version

I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמַ֙רְתִּי֙

H559

I said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹא

H3808

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

אֶרְאֶ֣ה

H7200

I shall not see

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

יָ֖הּ

H3050

even the LORD

jah, the sacred name

יָ֖הּ

H3050

even the LORD

jah, the sacred name

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַחַיִּ֑ים

H2416

of 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

לֹא

H3808

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

אַבִּ֥יט

H5027

I shall behold

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#10

אָדָ֛ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#11

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#12

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

י֥וֹשְׁבֵי

H3427

no more with the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

חָֽדֶל׃

H2309

of the world

rest, i.e., the state of the dead

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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