Isaiah 43:9

Authorized King James Version

Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֞ם

H1471

Let all the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

נִקְבְּצ֣וּ

H6908

be gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

יַחְדָּ֗ו

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְיֵאָֽסְפוּ֙

H622

be assembled

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

לְאֻמִּ֔ים

H3816

and let the people

a community

מִ֤י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

בָהֶם֙

יַגִּ֣יד

H5046

who among them can declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#10

זֹ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#11

וְרִֽאשֹׁנ֖וֹת

H7223

us former things

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#12

וְיִשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

or let them hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

יִתְּנ֤וּ

H5414

let them bring forth

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

#14

עֵֽדֵיהֶם֙

H5707

their witnesses

concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince

#15

וְיִצְדָּ֔קוּ

H6663

that they may be justified

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

#16

וְיִשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

or let them hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#17

וְיֹאמְר֥וּ

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#18

אֱמֶֽת׃

H571

It is truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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