Isaiah 45:1

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָה֮
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
לִמְשִׁיחוֹ֮
to his anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#5
לְכ֣וֹרֶשׁ
to Cyrus
koresh (or cyrus), the persian king
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
הֶחֱזַ֣קְתִּי
I have holden
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#8
בִֽימִינ֗וֹ
whose right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#9
לְרַד
to subdue
to tread in pieces, i.e., (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay
#10
לְפָנָיו֙
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
גּוֹיִ֔ם
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#12
וּמָתְנֵ֥י
the loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#13
מְלָכִ֖ים
of kings
a king
#14
לִפְתֹּ֤חַ
him and I will loose
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#15
לִפְתֹּ֤חַ
him and I will loose
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#16
לְפָנָיו֙
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#17
דְּלָתַ֔יִם
him the two leaved gates
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#18
וּשְׁעָרִ֖ים
and the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#19
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
יִסָּגֵֽרוּ׃
shall not be shut
to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

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