Isaiah 52:4

Authorized King James Version

For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹ֤ה

H3541

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

אָמַר֙

H559

For thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה

H3069

GOD

god

מִצְרַ֛יִם

H4714

into Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

יָֽרַד

H3381

went down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

עַמִּ֥י

H5971

My people

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

בָרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה

H7223

aforetime

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

#10

לָג֣וּר

H1481

to sojourn

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

#11

שָׁ֑ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#12

וְאַשּׁ֖וּר

H804

there and the Assyrian

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#13

בְּאֶ֥פֶס

H657

them without cause

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

#14

עֲשָׁקֽוֹ׃

H6231

oppressed

to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 52 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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