Isaiah 45:23

Authorized King James Version

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּ֣י

תִּשָּׁבַ֖ע

H7650

I have sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

יָצָ֨א

H3318

is gone out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִפִּ֧י

H6310

of my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

צְדָקָ֛ה

H6666

in righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

דָּבָ֖ר

H1697

by myself the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָשׁ֑וּב

H7725

and shall not return

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

כִּי

H3588

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

#10

לִי֙

#11

תִּכְרַ֣ע

H3766

shall bow

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

בֶּ֔רֶךְ

H1290

That unto me every knee

a knee

#14

תִּשָּׁבַ֖ע

H7650

I have sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

לָשֽׁוֹן׃

H3956

every tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

Analysis

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

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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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