Isaiah 42:1

Authorized King James Version

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֤ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
עַבְדִּי֙
Behold my servant
a servant
#3
אֶתְמָךְ
whom I uphold
to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close
#4
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#5
בְּחִירִ֖י
mine elect
select
#6
רָצְתָ֣ה
delighteth
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#7
נַפְשִׁ֑י
in whom my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#8
נָתַ֤תִּי
I have put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
רוּחִי֙
my spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#10
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#12
לַגּוֹיִ֥ם
to the Gentiles
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#13
יוֹצִֽיא׃
upon him he shall bring forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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