Isaiah 65:16

Authorized King James Version

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#3
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
יִתְבָּרֵךְ֙
That he who blesseth
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#5
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the 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
#6
אָמֵ֑ן
of truth
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly
#7
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#8
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
himself in the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
יִשָּׁבַ֖ע
and he that sweareth
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#10
בֵּאלֹהֵ֣י
by the 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
#11
אָמֵ֑ן
of truth
sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly
#12
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
נִשְׁכְּח֗וּ
are forgotten
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#14
הַצָּרוֹת֙
troubles
transitively, a female rival
#15
הָרִ֣אשֹׁנ֔וֹת
because the former
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#16
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
נִסְתְּר֖וּ
and because they are hid
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#18
מֵעֵינָֽי׃
from mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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