Isaiah 55:5

Authorized King James Version

Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֣ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

וְג֥וֹי

H1471

a nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יְדָע֖וּךָ

H3045

that knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תִּקְרָ֔א

H7121

Behold thou shalt call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְג֥וֹי

H1471

a nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יְדָע֖וּךָ

H3045

that knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵלֶ֣יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

יָר֑וּצוּ

H7323

not thee shall run

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

#11

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#12

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

unto thee because of the LORD

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

#13

אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ

H430

thy God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

וְלִקְד֥וֹשׁ

H6918

and for the Holy One

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

#15

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#16

כִּ֥י

H3588

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

#17

פֵאֲרָֽךְ׃

H6286

for he hath glorified

to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 55 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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