Isaiah 51:18

Authorized King James Version

There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
מְנַהֵ֣ל
There is none to guide
properly, to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively), to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, sustain
#3
לָ֔הּ
H0
#4
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
בָּנִ֖ים
her among all the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
יָלָ֑דָה
whom she hath brought forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#7
וְאֵ֤ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
מַחֲזִיק֙
neither is there any that taketh
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#9
בְּיָדָ֔הּ
her by the 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
#10
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בָּנִ֖ים
her among all the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
גִּדֵּֽלָה׃
that she hath brought up
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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