Isaiah 57:11

Authorized King James Version

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶת

H853

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

מִ֞י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

דָּאַ֤גְתְּ

H1672

And of whom hast thou been afraid

be anxious

תִירָֽאִי׃

H3372

and thou fearest

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

תְכַזֵּ֔בִי

H3576

that thou hast lied

to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively

וְאוֹתִי֙

H853

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

זָכַ֔רְתְּ

H2142

and hast not remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#10

לֹא

H3808

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

#11

שַׂ֖מְתְּ

H7760

me nor laid

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#13

לִבֵּ֑ךְ

H3820

it to thy heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#14

הֲלֹ֨א

H3808

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

#15

אֲנִ֤י

H589

#16

מַחְשֶׁה֙

H2814

have not I held my peace

to hush or keep quiet

#17

וּמֵ֣עֹלָ֔ם

H5769

even of old

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

#18

וְאוֹתִ֖י

H853

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

#19

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#20

תִירָֽאִי׃

H3372

and thou fearest

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 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 peace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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