Isaiah 6:8

Authorized King James Version

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶשְׁמַ֞ע
Also I heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
ק֤וֹל
the voice
a voice or sound
#4
אֲדֹנָי֙
of the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
וָאֹמַ֖ר
for us Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
שְׁלָחֵֽנִי׃
I Here am I send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
וּמִ֣י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#10
יֵֽלֶךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
לָ֑נוּ
H0
#12
וָאֹמַ֖ר
for us Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
הִנְנִ֥י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#14
שְׁלָחֵֽנִי׃
I Here am I send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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