Isaiah 44:22

Authorized King James Version

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מָחִ֤יתִי

H4229

I have blotted out

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

כָעָב֙

H5645

as a thick cloud

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

פְּשָׁעֶ֔יךָ

H6588

thy transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְכֶעָנָ֖ן

H6051

and as a cloud

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

חַטֹּאותֶ֑יךָ

H2403

thy sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

שׁוּבָ֥ה

H7725

return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

גְאַלְתִּֽיךָ׃

H1350

unto me for I have redeemed

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

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 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

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 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?
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?

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