Isaiah 51:16

Authorized King James Version

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאָשִׂ֤ם

H7760

And I have put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

דְּבָרַי֙

H1697

my words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּפִ֔יךָ

H6310

in thy mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּבְצֵ֥ל

H6738

thee in the shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

יָדִ֖י

H3027

of mine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

כִּסִּיתִ֑יךָ

H3680

and I have covered

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

לִנְטֹ֤עַ

H5193

that I may plant

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙

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

וְלִיסֹ֣ד

H3245

and lay the foundations

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

#10

אָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וְלֵאמֹ֥ר

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

לְצִיּ֖וֹן

H6726

unto Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

#13

עַמִּי

H5971

Thou art my people

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

#14

אָֽתָּה׃

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 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 51 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

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