Isaiah 43:1

Authorized King James Version

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֞ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֤ר
But now thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
בֹּרַאֲךָ֣
that created
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
#6
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
thee O Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#7
וְיֹצֶרְךָ֖
and he that formed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
thee O Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#10
תִּירָא֙
Fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#11
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
גְאַלְתִּ֔יךָ
not for I have redeemed
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#13
קָרָ֥אתִי
thee I have called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#14
בְשִׁמְךָ֖
thee by thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#15
לִי
H0
#16
אָֽתָּה׃
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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