Isaiah 49:13

Authorized King James Version

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Word-by-Word Analysis

רָנּ֤וּ

H7442

Sing

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

O 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

וְגִ֣ילִי

H1523

and be joyful

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

אָ֔רֶץ

H776

O earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יּפִצְח֥וּ

H6476

and break forth

to break out (in joyful sound)

הָרִ֖ים

H2022

O mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

רִנָּ֑ה

H7440

into singing

properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e., shout (of joy or grief)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִחַ֤ם

H5162

hath comforted

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

#10

יְהוָה֙

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

וַֽעֲנִיָּ֖ו

H6041

upon his afflicted

depressed, in mind or circumstances

#13

יְרַחֵֽם׃

H7355

and will have mercy

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

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 mercy 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

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

In what ways does understanding mercy in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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