Isaiah 46:11

Authorized King James Version

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קֹרֵ֤א
Calling
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מִמִּזְרָח֙
from the east
sunrise, i.e., the east
#3
עַ֔יִט
a ravenous bird
a hawk or other bird of prey
#4
מֵאֶ֥רֶץ
country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
מֶרְחָ֖ק
from a far
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
#6
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
עֲצָתִ֑ו
that executeth my counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#8
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#9
דִּבַּ֙רְתִּי֙
yea I have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#11
אֲבִיאֶ֔נָּה
it I will also bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
יָצַ֖רְתִּי
it to pass I have purposed
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#13
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#14
אֶעֱשֶֽׂנָּה׃
it I will also do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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