Isaiah 40:14

Authorized King James Version

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#2
מִ֤י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
נוֹעָץ֙
With whom took he counsel
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#4
וַיְבִינֵ֔הוּ
and who instructed
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#5
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#6
בְּאֹ֣רַח
him in the path
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
#7
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
of judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
וַיְלַמְּדֵ֣הוּ
and taught
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#9
דַ֔עַת
him knowledge
knowledge
#10
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ
to him the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
תְּבוּנ֖וֹת
of understanding
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
#12
יוֹדִיעֶֽנּוּ׃
and shewed
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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