Isaiah 63:16

Authorized King James Version

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
Doubtless
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
אַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#3
אָבִ֔ינוּ
H1
art our father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#4
כִּ֤י
Doubtless
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
אַבְרָהָם֙
H85
though Abraham
abraham, the later name of abram
#6
לֹ֣א
be ignorant
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְדָעָ֔נוּ
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of us and Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
לֹ֣א
be ignorant
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יַכִּירָ֑נוּ
acknowledge
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#11
אַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
יְהוָה֙
us not thou O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
אָבִ֔ינוּ
H1
art our father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
גֹּאֲלֵ֥נוּ
our redeemer
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
#15
מֵֽעוֹלָ֖ם
is from everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#16
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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

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