Isaiah 46:9

Authorized King James Version

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

Word-by-Word Analysis

זִכְר֥וּ

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

רִאשֹׁנ֖וֹת

H7223

the former things

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

מֵעוֹלָ֑ם

H5769

of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

אָנֹכִ֥י

H595

אֵל֙

H410

for I am God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְאֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

ע֔וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

and there is none else I am God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

וְאֶ֥פֶס

H657

and there is none

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

#11

כָּמֽוֹנִי׃

H3644

as, thus, so

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 46 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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