Isaiah 41:9

Authorized King James Version

Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
הֶחֱזַקְתִּ֙יךָ֙
Thou whom I have taken
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#3
מִקְצ֣וֹת
from the ends
a termination
#4
הָאָ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
וּמֵאֲצִילֶ֖יהָ
thee from the chief men
an extremity (see isaiah 41:9), also a noble
#6
קְרָאתִ֑יךָ
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#7
וָאֹ֤מַר
thereof and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לְךָ֙
H0
#9
עַבְדִּי
unto thee Thou art my servant
a servant
#10
אַ֔תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ
I have chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#12
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
מְאַסְתִּֽיךָ׃
thee and not cast thee away
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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