Isaiah 65:24

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

טֶֽרֶם

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יִקְרָ֖אוּ

H7121

And it shall come to pass that before they call

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

וַאֲנִ֣י

H589

אֶעֱנֶ֑ה

H6030

I will 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,

ע֛וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

הֵ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מְדַבְּרִ֖ים

H1696

and while they are yet speaking

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

וַאֲנִ֥י

H589

#10

אֶשְׁמָֽע׃

H8085

I will hear

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
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?

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