Isaiah 7:9

Authorized King James Version

And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

And the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

of Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שֹׁמְר֖וֹן

H8111

is Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

וְרֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

And the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

שֹׁמְר֖וֹן

H8111

is Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

בֶּן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְמַלְיָ֑הוּ

H7425

is Remaliah's

remaljah, an israelite

אִ֚ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃

H539

If ye will not believe

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

#11

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

תֵאָמֵֽנוּ׃

H539

If ye will not believe

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 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 divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah