Isaiah 45:12

Authorized King James Version

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָֽנֹכִי֙

H595

עָשִׂ֣יתִי

H6213

I have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאָדָ֖ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

עָלֶ֣יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָרָ֑אתִי

H1254

and created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

אֲנִ֗י

H589

יָדַי֙

H3027

upon it I even my hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָט֣וּ

H5186

have stretched out

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

#10

שָׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#11

וְכָל

H3605

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

#12

צְבָאָ֖ם

H6635

and all their host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#13

צִוֵּֽיתִי׃

H6680

have I commanded

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah