Isaiah 43:3

Authorized King James Version

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֗י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִי֙

H589

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

For I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

קְד֥וֹשׁ

H6918

the Holy One

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מוֹשִׁיעֶ֑ךָ

H3467

thy Saviour

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

נָתַ֤תִּי

H5414

I gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כָפְרְךָ֙

H3724

for thy ransom

properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)

#10

מִצְרַ֔יִם

H4714

Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#11

כּ֥וּשׁ

H3568

Ethiopia

cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite

#12

וּסְבָ֖א

H5434

and Seba

seba, a son of cush, and the country settled by him

#13

תַּחְתֶּֽיךָ׃

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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