Isaiah 51:13

Authorized King James Version

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּשְׁכַּ֞ח

H7911

And forgettest

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

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

עֹשֶׂ֗ךָ

H6213

thy maker

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

נוֹטֶ֣ה

H5186

that hath stretched forth

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

שָׁמַיִם֮

H8064

the 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

וְיֹסֵ֣ד

H3245

and laid the foundations

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

אָרֶץ֒

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתְּפַחֵ֨ד

H6342

and hast feared

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

תָּמִ֜יד

H8548

continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

הַיּ֗וֹם

H3117

every 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

#12

מִפְּנֵי֙

H6440

because

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

#13

חֲמַ֥ת

H2534

and where is the fury

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

#14

הַמֵּצִֽיק׃

H6693

of the oppressor

to compress, i.e., (figuratively) oppress, distress

#15

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

as if

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

כּוֹנֵ֖ן

H3559

he were ready

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#17

לְהַשְׁחִ֑ית

H7843

to destroy

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

#18

וְאַיֵּ֖ה

H346

where?

#19

חֲמַ֥ת

H2534

and where is the fury

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

#20

הַמֵּצִֽיק׃

H6693

of the oppressor

to compress, i.e., (figuratively) oppress, distress

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 divine sovereignty 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 51 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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