Isaiah 64:9
Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּקְצֹ֤ף
Be not wroth
H7107
תִּקְצֹ֤ף
Be not wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
2 of 14
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
יְהוָה֙
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְאֹ֔ד
very sore
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
very sore
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְאַל
H408
וְאַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
לָעַ֖ד
for ever
H5703
לָעַ֖ד
for ever
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
תִּזְכֹּ֣ר
neither remember
H2142
תִּזְכֹּ֣ר
neither remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
הַבֶּט
behold see
H5027
הַבֶּט
behold see
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
11 of 14
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
12 of 14
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
Historical Context
This balance of confession and appeal characterizes authentic prayer. Acknowledging deserved judgment while pleading for mercy reflects covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance confession of sin with appeal for mercy in prayer?
- What does it mean to ask God not to 'remember iniquity forever'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.' The prayer pleads for limited rather than permanent wrath. The Hebrew 'ad-me'od' (very sore) asks for moderation. 'Remember not iniquity forever' asks for forgiveness. The appeal is relational: 'we are all thy people.'