Isaiah 49:25

Authorized King James Version

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי

H3588

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

כֹ֣ה׀

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר

H559

But thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שְׁבִ֤י

H7628

Even the captives

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

גִבּוֹר֙

H1368

of the mighty

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

יֻקָּ֔ח

H3947

shall be taken away

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וּמַלְק֥וֹחַ

H4455

and the prey

transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food)

#10

עָרִ֖יץ

H6184

of the terrible

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

#11

יִמָּלֵ֑ט

H4422

shall be delivered

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

#12

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#13

יְרִיבֵךְ֙

H3401

with him that contendeth

literally he will contend; properly, adjective contentious; used as noun, an adversary

#14

אָנֹכִ֣י

H595

#15

אָרִ֔יב

H7378

for I will contend

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

#16

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

בָּנַ֖יִךְ

H1121

thy children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#18

אָנֹכִ֥י

H595

#19

אוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃

H3467

with thee and I will save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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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