Isaiah 51:22

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֹּֽה

H3541

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

אָמַ֞ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנַ֣יִךְ

H113

thy Lord

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

the LORD

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

וֵאלֹהַ֙יִךְ֙

H430

and thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יָרִ֣יב

H7378

that pleadeth

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

עַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

the cause of his people

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

הִנֵּ֥ה

H2009

lo!

לָקַ֛חְתִּי

H3947

Behold I have taken out

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

מִיָּדֵ֖ךְ

H3027

of thine 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

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

כּ֣וֹס

H3563

of the cup

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

#13

הַתַּרְעֵלָ֑ה

H8653

of trembling

reeling

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

קֻבַּ֙עַת֙

H6907

even the dregs

a goblet (as deep like a cover)

#16

כּ֣וֹס

H3563

of the cup

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

#17

חֲמָתִ֔י

H2534

of my fury

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

#18

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

תוֹסִ֥יפִי

H3254

thou shalt no more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

#20

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֖הּ

H8354

drink it again

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

Related Resources

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