Isaiah 57:16

Authorized King James Version

For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

לְעוֹלָם֙

H5769

for ever

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

אָרִ֔יב

H7378

For I will not contend

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

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

לָנֶ֖צַח

H5331

neither will I be always

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

אֶקְּצ֑וֹף

H7107

wroth

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

כִּי

H3588

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

ר֙וּחַ֙

H7307

for the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#10

מִלְּפָנַ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#11

יַֽעֲט֔וֹף

H5848

should fail

to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish

#12

וּנְשָׁמ֖וֹת

H5397

me and the souls

a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal

#13

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#14

עָשִֽׂיתִי׃

H6213

which I have made

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
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?

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