Isaiah 48:20

Authorized King James Version

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הוֹצִיא֖וּהָ
Go ye forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
מִבָּבֶל֮
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#3
בִּרְח֣וּ
flee
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#4
מִכַּשְׂדִּים֒
ye from the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#5
בְּק֣וֹל
with a voice
a voice or sound
#6
רִנָּ֗ה
of singing
properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)
#7
הַגִּ֤ידוּ
declare
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#8
הַשְׁמִ֙יעוּ֙
ye tell
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#9
זֹ֔את
this (often used adverb)
#10
הוֹצִיא֖וּהָ
Go ye forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#12
קְצֵ֣ה
it even to the end
an extremity
#13
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
אִמְר֕וּ
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
גָּאַ֥ל
hath redeemed
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
#16
יְהוָ֖ה
ye The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
עַבְדּ֥וֹ
his servant
a servant
#18
יַעֲקֹֽב׃
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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