Isaiah 45:9

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֗וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
רָ֚ב
unto him that striveth
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
לְיֹֽצְרוֹ֙
to him that fashioneth
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#5
חַרְשֵׂ֣י
Let the potsherd
a piece of pottery
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
חַרְשֵׂ֣י
Let the potsherd
a piece of pottery
#8
אֲדָמָ֑ה
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)
#9
הֲיֹאמַ֨ר
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
חֹ֤מֶר
Shall the clay
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
#11
לְיֹֽצְרוֹ֙
to him that fashioneth
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#12
מַֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#13
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
it What makest
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
וּפָעָלְךָ֖
thou or thy work
an act or work (concretely)
#15
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#16
יָדַ֥יִם
He hath no 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
#17
לֽוֹ׃
H0

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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People