Isaiah 63:5

Authorized King James Version

And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַבִּיט֙
And I looked
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#2
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
עֹזֵ֔ר
and there was none to help
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#4
וְאֶשְׁתּוֹמֵ֖ם
and I wondered
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#5
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
סְמָכָֽתְנִי׃
it upheld
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#7
וַתּ֤וֹשַֽׁע
brought salvation
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#8
לִי֙
H0
#9
זְרֹעִ֔י
therefore mine own arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#10
וַחֲמָתִ֖י
unto me and my fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#11
הִ֥יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
סְמָכָֽתְנִי׃
it upheld
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of salvation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about salvation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes salvation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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