Isaiah 54:9

Authorized King James Version

For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּי

H3588

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

מֵי

H4325

For this is as the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

נֹ֛חַ

H5146

of Noah

noach, the patriarch of the flood

זֹ֣את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לִ֔י

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִשְׁבַּ֛עְתִּי

H7650

so have I sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

מֵעֲבֹ֥ר

H5674

should no more go over

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

מֵי

H4325

For this is as the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#10

נֹ֛חַ

H5146

of Noah

noach, the patriarch of the flood

#11

ע֖וֹד

H5750

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

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

הָאָ֑רֶץ

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#15

נִשְׁבַּ֛עְתִּי

H7650

so have I sworn

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#16

מִקְּצֹ֥ף

H7107

that I would not be wroth

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

#17

עָלַ֖יִךְ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

וּמִגְּעָר

H1605

with thee nor rebuke

to chide

#19

בָּֽךְ׃

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

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

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