Isaiah 64:4

Authorized King James Version

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמֵעוֹלָ֥ם

H5769

For since the beginning of the world

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

men have not heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶאֱזִ֑ינוּ

H238

nor perceived by the ear

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

עַ֣יִן

H5869

neither hath the eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָאָ֗תָה

H7200

seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

O God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

זוּלָ֣תְךָ֔

H2108

beside

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except

#11

יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

thee what he hath prepared

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

לִמְחַכֵּה

H2442

for him that waiteth

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

#13

לֽוֹ׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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