Isaiah 44:21

Authorized King James Version

Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זְכָר
Remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#2
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#3
יַעֲקֹ֔ב
these O Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#4
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#5
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
עֶֽבֶד
for thou art my servant
a servant
#7
אָ֑תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
יְצַרְתִּ֤יךָ
I have formed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#9
עֶֽבֶד
for thou art my servant
a servant
#10
לִי֙
H0
#11
אַ֔תָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
O Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
תִנָּשֵֽׁנִי׃
thou shalt not be forgotten
to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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