Isaiah 48:7

Authorized King James Version

They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַתָּ֤ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

נִבְרְאוּ֙

H1254

They are created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

מֵאָ֔ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וְלִפְנֵי

H6440

now and not from the beginning even 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

י֖וֹם

H3117

the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

שְׁמַעְתָּ֑ם

H8085

when thou heardest

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

#10

תֹּאמַ֖ר

H559

them not lest thou shouldest say

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

הִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

#12

יְדַעְתִּֽין׃

H3045

Behold I knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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