Isaiah 43:10

Authorized King James Version

Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַתֶּ֤ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
עֵדַי֙
Ye are my witnesses
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
#3
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#4
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
וְעַבְדִּ֖י
and my servant
a servant
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
בָּחָ֑רְתִּי
whom I have chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#8
לְמַ֣עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#9
תֵּ֠דְעוּ
that ye may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#10
וְתַאֲמִ֨ינוּ
and believe
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#11
לִ֤י
H0
#12
וְתָבִ֙ינוּ֙
me and understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#13
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
אֲנִ֣י
i
#15
ה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#16
לְפָנַי֙
that I am he before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#17
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
נ֣וֹצַר
formed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#19
אֵ֔ל
me there was no God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#20
וְאַחֲרַ֖י
neither shall there be after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#21
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#22
יִהְיֶֽה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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