Isaiah 55:6

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Word-by-Word Analysis

דִּרְשׁ֥וּ

H1875

Seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

ye the LORD

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

בְּהִמָּצְא֑וֹ

H4672

while he may be found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

קְרָאֻ֖הוּ

H7121

call

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

בִּֽהְיוֹת֥וֹ

H1961

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

קָרֽוֹב׃

H7138

ye upon him while he is near

near (in place, kindred or time)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Matthew 7:7 Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
— Seek, and ye shall find
² Deuteronomy 4:29 Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
— If thou seek him with all thy heart

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

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 this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 55 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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