Isaiah 65:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמָנִ֨יתִי

H4487

Therefore will I number

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

אֶתְכֶ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַחֶ֗רֶב

H2719

you to the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְכֻלְּכֶם֙

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לַטֶּ֣בַח

H2874

to the slaughter

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

תִּכְרָ֔עוּ

H3766

and ye shall all bow down

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

יַ֤עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

קָרָ֙אתִי֙

H7121

because when I called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#10

עֲנִיתֶ֔ם

H6030

ye did not answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#11

דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי

H1696

when I spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#12

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם

H8085

ye did not hear

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

#14

וַתַּעֲשׂ֤וּ

H6213

but did

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

#15

הָרַע֙

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#16

בְּעֵינַ֔י

H5869

before mine eyes

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

#17

וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#19

חָפַ֖צְתִּי

H2654

that wherein I delighted

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

#20

בְּחַרְתֶּֽם׃

H977

and did choose

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?
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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