Isaiah 66:18

Authorized King James Version

For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָנֹכִ֗י

H595

מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם֙

H4639

For I know their works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּמַחְשְׁבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם

H4284

and their thoughts

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

וּבָ֖אוּ

H935

and they shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְקַבֵּ֥ץ

H6908

that I will gather

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

all nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְהַלְּשֹׁנ֑וֹת

H3956

and tongues

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

#10

וּבָ֖אוּ

H935

and they shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

וְרָא֥וּ

H7200

and see

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

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

כְּבוֹדִֽי׃

H3519

my glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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