Isaiah 43:23

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵבֵ֤יאתָ

H935

Thou hast not brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִּי֙

שֵׂ֣ה

H7716

me the small cattle

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

עֹלֹתֶ֔יךָ

H5930

of thy burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וּזְבָחֶ֖יךָ

H2077

me with thy sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִבַּדְתָּ֑נִי

H3513

neither hast thou honoured

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

הֶעֱבַדְתִּ֙יךָ֙

H5647

I have not caused thee to serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#11

בְּמִנְחָ֔ה

H4503

with an offering

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#12

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

הוֹגַעְתִּ֖יךָ

H3021

nor wearied

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

#14

בִּלְבוֹנָֽה׃

H3828

thee with incense

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 43 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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