Isaiah 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לֵ֥ךְ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
וְאָמַרְתָּ֖
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לָעָ֣ם
this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#7
שָׁמ֙וֹעַ֙
Hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#8
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תָּבִ֔ינוּ
but understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#10
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#11
רָא֖וֹ
not and see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#13
תֵּדָֽעוּ׃
but perceive
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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