Isaiah 40:17

Authorized King James Version

All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

All nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כְּאַ֣יִן

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נֶגְדּ֑וֹ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

מֵאֶ֥פֶס

H657

to him less than nothing

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

וָתֹ֖הוּ

H8414

and vanity

a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain

נֶחְשְׁבוּ

H2803

before him are as nothing and they are counted

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

לֽוֹ׃

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

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 this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 40 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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