Isaiah 55:11

Authorized King James Version

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כֵּ֣ן

H3651

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

יִֽהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבָרִי֙

H1697

So shall my word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

יֵצֵ֣א

H3318

be that goeth forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִפִּ֔י

H6310

out of my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יָשׁ֥וּב

H7725

it shall not return

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

אֵלַ֖י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

רֵיקָ֑ם

H7387

unto me void

emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly

#11

כִּ֤י

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

עָשָׂה֙

H6213

but it shall accomplish

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#16

חָפַ֔צְתִּי

H2654

that which I please

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

#17

וְהִצְלִ֖יחַ

H6743

and it shall prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#18

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#19

שְׁלַחְתִּֽיו׃

H7971

in the thing whereto I sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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 revelation 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

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah