Isaiah 59:1

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֛ן

H2005

Behold

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

לֹֽא

H3808

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

קָצְרָ֥ה

H7114

is not shortened

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

יַד

H3027

hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD'S

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

מֵֽהוֹשִׁ֑יעַ

H3467

that it cannot save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וְלֹא

H3808

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

כָבְדָ֥ה

H3513

heavy

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

אָזְנ֖וֹ

H241

neither his ear

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#10

מִשְּׁמֽוֹעַ׃

H8085

that it cannot hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

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

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

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 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 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?

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