Isaiah 55:13

Authorized King James Version

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תַּ֤חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַֽנַּעֲצוּץ֙

H5285

Instead of the thorn

probably a brier; by implication, a thicket of thorny bushes

יַעֲלֶ֣ה

H5927

shall come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְר֔וֹשׁ

H1265

the fir tree

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

תַ֥חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַסִּרְפַּ֖ד

H5636

and instead of the brier

a nettle (as stinging like a burn)

יַעֲלֶ֣ה

H5927

shall come up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הֲדַ֑ס

H1918

the myrtle tree

the myrtle

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

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

#10

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

and it shall be to the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

לְשֵׁ֔ם

H8034

for a name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#12

לְא֥וֹת

H226

sign

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

#13

עוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

for an everlasting

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#14

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#15

יִכָּרֵֽת׃

H3772

that shall not be cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

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

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

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