Isaiah 47:10

Authorized King James Version

For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּבְטְחִ֣י
For thou hast trusted
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#2
בְרָעָתֵ֗ךְ
in thy wickedness
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י
thee and thou hast said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#5
רֹאָ֔נִי
None seeth
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
חָכְמָתֵ֥ךְ
me Thy wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#7
וְדַעְתֵּ֖ךְ
and thy knowledge
knowledge
#8
הִ֣יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
שׁוֹבְבָ֑תֶךְ
it hath perverted
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
וַתֹּאמְרִ֣י
thee and thou hast said
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
בְלִבֵּ֔ךְ
in thine heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#12
אֲנִ֖י
i
#13
וְאַפְסִ֥י
I am and none else
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
#14
עֽוֹד׃
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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 wisdom 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

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

Questions for Reflection

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