Isaiah 66:4

Authorized King James Version

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֲנִ֞י
H589
i
#3
בָּחָֽרוּ׃
H977
I also will choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#4
בְּתַעֲלֻלֵיהֶ֗ם
H8586
their delusions
caprice (as a fit coming on), i.e., vexation; concretely a tyrant
#5
וּמְגֽוּרֹתָם֙
H4035
their fears
a fright; also a granary
#6
אָבִ֣יא
H935
and will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
לָהֶ֔ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
יַ֤עַן
H3282
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#9
קָרָ֙אתִי֙
H7121
upon them because when I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
עוֹנֶ֔ה
H6030
none did 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,
#12
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
H1696
when I spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
H8085
they did not hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#15
וַיַּעֲשׂ֤וּ
H6213
but they did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
הָרַע֙
H7451
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#17
בְּעֵינַ֔י
H5869
before mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#18
וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
חָפַ֖צְתִּי
H2654
that in which I delighted
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#21
בָּחָֽרוּ׃
H977
I also will 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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