Isaiah 7:11

Authorized King James Version

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#2
לְךָ֣
H0
#3
א֔וֹת
thee a sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#4
מֵעִ֖ם
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#5
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy 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
#7
הַעְמֵ֣ק
it either in the depth
to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)
#8
שְׁאָ֔לָה
Ask
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
#9
א֖וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#10
הַגְבֵּ֥הַּ
or in the height
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#11
לְמָֽעְלָה׃
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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