Isaiah 48:13

Authorized King James Version

Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יָדִי֙

H3027

Mine hand

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

יָ֣סְדָה

H3245

also hath laid the foundation

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וִֽימִינִ֖י

H3225

and my right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

טִפְּחָ֣ה

H2946

hath spanned

to flatten out or extend (as a tent); figuratively, to nurse a child (as promotive of growth)

שָׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

קֹרֵ֥א

H7121

when I call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֲנִ֛י

H589

#10

אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

יַעַמְד֥וּ

H5975

unto them they stand up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#12

יַחְדָּֽו׃

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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