Isaiah 63:8

Authorized King James Version

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For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ For he said H559
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ For he said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 10
to say (used with great latitude)
אַךְ H389
אַךְ
Strong's: H389
Word #: 2 of 10
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
עַמִּ֣י Surely they are my people H5971
עַמִּ֣י Surely they are my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 3 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֵ֔מָּה H1992
הֵ֔מָּה
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 4 of 10
they (only used when emphatic)
בָּנִ֖ים children H1121
בָּנִ֖ים children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 5 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְשַׁקֵּ֑רוּ that will not lie H8266
יְשַׁקֵּ֑רוּ that will not lie
Strong's: H8266
Word #: 7 of 10
to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)
וַיְהִ֥י H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לָהֶ֖ם H1992
לָהֶ֖ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 9 of 10
they (only used when emphatic)
לְמוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃ so he was their Saviour H3467
לְמוֹשִֽׁיעַ׃ so he was their Saviour
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis & Commentary

'For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.' God's original expectation was covenant faithfulness - 'children that will not lie.' The Hebrew 'shaqar' (lie/deal falsely) indicates covenant unfaithfulness. Despite expectation disappointed, God remained Saviour.

Historical Context

This recalls the covenant formula at Sinai. God's initial expectations of fidelity were repeatedly disappointed, yet His saving purposes continued. Grace exceeds human failure.

Questions for Reflection

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