Isaiah 58:11

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָחֲךָ֣

H5148

shall guide

to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)

יְהוָה֮

H3068

And the LORD

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

תָּמִיד֒

H8548

thee continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְהִשְׂבִּ֤יעַ

H7646

and satisfy

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

בְּצַחְצָחוֹת֙

H6710

in drought

a dry place, i.e., desert

נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ

H5315

thy soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְעַצְמֹתֶ֖יךָ

H6106

thy bones

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

יַחֲלִ֑יץ

H2502

and make fat

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

וְהָיִ֙יתָ֙

H1961

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

#10

כְּגַ֣ן

H1588

garden

a garden (as fenced)

#11

רָוֶ֔ה

H7302

and thou shalt be like a watered

sated (with drink)

#12

וּכְמוֹצָ֣א

H4161

and like a spring

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

#13

מֵימָֽיו׃

H4325

of water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#14

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

לֹא

H3808

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

#16

יְכַזְּב֖וּ

H3576

fail

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

#17

מֵימָֽיו׃

H4325

of water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 divine sovereignty. 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 divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 58 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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