Isaiah 48:17

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֧ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
גֹּאַלְךָ֖
thy Redeemer
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#5
קְד֣וֹשׁ
the Holy One
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
אֲנִ֨י
i
#8
יְהוָ֤ה
I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙
thy 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
מְלַמֶּדְךָ֣
which teacheth
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#11
לְהוֹעִ֔יל
thee to profit
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
#12
מַדְרִֽיכֲךָ֖
which leadeth
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#13
בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
thee by the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#14
תֵּלֵֽךְ׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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