Isaiah 51:2

Authorized King James Version

Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבִּ֙יטוּ֙
Look
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אַבְרָהָ֣ם
H85
unto Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#4
אֲבִיכֶ֔ם
H1
your father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#5
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
שָׂרָ֖ה
and unto Sarah
sarah, abraham's wife
#7
תְּחוֹלֶלְכֶ֑ם
that bare
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
#8
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֶחָ֣ד
him alone
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#10
קְרָאתִ֔יו
you for I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#11
וַאֲבָרְכֵ֖הוּ
and blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#12
וְאַרְבֵּֽהוּ׃
him and increased
to increase (in whatever respect)

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 revelation 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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