Isaiah 41:26

Authorized King James Version

Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there is none that heareth your words.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#2
מַגִּ֗יד
Who hath declared
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#3
מֵרֹאשׁ֙
from the beginning
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
וְנֵדָ֔עָה
that we may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
וּמִלְּפָנִ֖ים
and beforetime
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
וְנֹאמַ֣ר
that we may say
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
צַדִּ֑יק
He is righteous
just
#8
אַ֣ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#9
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
מַגִּ֗יד
Who hath declared
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#11
אַ֚ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#12
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
yea there is none that declareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אַ֥ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#15
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#16
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
yea there is none that declareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#17
אִמְרֵיכֶֽם׃
your words
something said

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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