Isaiah 48:19

Authorized King James Version

Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַחוֹל֙

H2344

also had been as the sand

sand (as round or whirling particles)

זַרְעֶ֔ךָ

H2233

Thy seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְצֶאֱצָאֵ֥י

H6631

and the offspring

issue, i.e., produce, children

מֵעֶ֖יךָ

H4578

of thy bowels

used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru

כִּמְעֹתָ֑יו

H4579

like the gravel

the belly, i.e., (figuratively) interior

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִכָּרֵ֧ת

H3772

should not have been cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

וְֽלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

יִשָּׁמֵ֛ד

H8045

nor destroyed

to desolate

#11

שְׁמ֖וֹ

H8034

thereof his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#12

מִלְּפָנָֽי׃

H6440

from before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah