Isaiah 55:10

Authorized King James Version

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֡י

H3588

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

כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

יֵרֵד֩

H3381

cometh 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

הַגֶּ֨שֶׁם

H1653

For as the rain

a shower

וְהַשֶּׁ֜לֶג

H7950

and the snow

snow (probably from its whiteness)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם

H8064

from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְשָׁ֙מָּה֙

H8033

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#10

יָשׁ֔וּב

H7725

and returneth

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#11

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

#12

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

הִרְוָ֣ה

H7301

not thither but watereth

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

וְהוֹלִידָ֖הּ

H3205

and maketh it bring forth

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#17

וְהִצְמִיחָ֑הּ

H6779

and bud

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

#18

וְנָ֤תַן

H5414

that it may give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#19

זֶ֙רַע֙

H2233

seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#20

לַזֹּרֵ֔עַ

H2232

to the sower

to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify

#21

וְלֶ֖חֶם

H3899

and bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#22

לָאֹכֵֽל׃

H398

to the eater

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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

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