Isaiah 54:4

Authorized King James Version

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּֽירְאִי֙

H3372

Fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כִּי

H3588

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

תֵב֔וֹשִׁי

H954

not for thou shalt not be ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּכָּלְמִ֖י

H3637

neither be thou confounded

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#10

תַחְפִּ֑ירִי

H2659

for thou shalt not be put to shame

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#12

בֹ֤שֶׁת

H1322

the shame

shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol

#13

עֲלוּמַ֙יִךְ֙

H5934

of thy youth

(only in plural as abstract) adolescence; figuratively, vigor

#14

תִּשְׁכָּ֔חִי

H7911

for thou shalt forget

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

#15

וְחֶרְפַּ֥ת

H2781

the reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

#16

אַלְמְנוּתַ֖יִךְ

H491

of thy widowhood

concrete, a widow; abstract, widowhood

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#18

תִזְכְּרִי

H2142

and shalt not remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#19

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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