Isaiah 8:19

Authorized King James Version

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

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

יֹאמְר֣וּ

H559

And when they shall say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶ֗ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִדְרֹ֔שׁ

H1875

seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאֹבוֹת֙

H178

unto them that have familiar spirits

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים

H3049

and unto wizards

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

הַֽמְצַפְצְפִ֖ים

H6850

that peep

to coo or chirp (as a bird)

#10

וְהַמַּהְגִּ֑ים

H1897

and that mutter

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

#11

הֲלוֹא

H3808

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

#12

עַם֙

H5971

should not a people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

אֱלֹהָ֣יו

H430

unto their 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

#15

יִדְרֹ֔שׁ

H1875

seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#16

בְּעַ֥ד

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#17

הַחַיִּ֖ים

H2416

for the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#18

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

הַמֵּתִֽים׃

H4191

to the dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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