Isaiah 44:28

Authorized King James Version

That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֵאמֹ֤ר
That saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לְכ֙וֹרֶשׁ֙
of Cyrus
koresh (or cyrus), the persian king
#3
רֹעִ֔י
He is my shepherd
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#4
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
חֶפְצִ֖י
all my pleasure
pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)
#6
יַשְׁלִ֑ם
and shall perform
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
#7
וְלֵאמֹ֤ר
That saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לִירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
to Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#9
תִּבָּנֶ֔ה
Thou shalt be built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#10
וְהֵיכָ֖ל
and to the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#11
תִּוָּסֵֽד׃
Thy foundation shall be laid
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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