Isaiah 41:12

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תְּבַקְשֵׁם֙

H1245

Thou shalt seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

תִמְצָאֵ֔ם

H4672

them and shalt not find

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אַנְשֵׁ֖י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מַצֻּתֶ֑ךָ

H4695

that contended

a quarrel

יִהְי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְאַ֛יִן

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וּכְאֶ֖פֶס

H657

against thee shall be as nothing and as a thing of nought

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

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

מִלְחַמְתֶּֽךָ׃

H4421

with thee they that war

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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 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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