Isaiah 40:28

Authorized King James Version

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֲל֨וֹא

H3808

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

יָדַ֜עְתָּ

H3045

Hast thou not known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ

H8085

hast thou not heard

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

אֱלֹהֵ֨י

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

עוֹלָ֤ם׀

H5769

that the everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

יְהוָה֙

H3068

the LORD

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

בּוֹרֵא֙

H1254

the Creator

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

#10

קְצ֣וֹת

H7098

of the ends

a termination

#11

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#13

יִיעַ֖ף

H3286

fainteth

to tire (as if from wearisome flight)

#14

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#15

יִיגָ֑ע

H3021

not neither is weary

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

#16

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#17

חֵ֖קֶר

H2714

there is no searching

examination, enumeration, deliberation

#18

לִתְבוּנָתֽוֹ׃

H8394

of his understanding

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 40 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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