King James Version

What Does Isaiah 63:11 Mean?

Isaiah 63:11 in the King James Version says “Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with ... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 63 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? shepherd: or, shepherds

Isaiah 63:11 · KJV


Context

9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? shepherd: or, shepherds

12

That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

13

That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock?' Either God or Israel 'remembers' the Exodus. The sea crossing, Moses as shepherd - foundational memories resurface. The questions express longing for past displays of power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Exodus became Israel's paradigmatic salvation memory. In distress, they recall when God acted mightily. This models how past deliverances should ground present faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'Exodus moments' in your life should fuel present faith?
  2. How does remembering past deliverance affect current prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר1 of 17

Then he remembered

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

יְמֵֽי2 of 17

the days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עוֹלָ֖ם3 of 17

of old

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מֹשֶׁ֣ה4 of 17

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַמּ֑וֹ5 of 17

and his people

H5971

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

אַיֵּ֣ה׀6 of 17
H346

where?

הַֽמַּעֲלֵ֣ם7 of 17

saying Where is he that brought them up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִיָּ֗ם8 of 17

out of the sea

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

אֵ֚ת9 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֹעֵ֣י10 of 17

with the shepherd

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

צֹאנ֔וֹ11 of 17

of his flock

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

אַיֵּ֛ה12 of 17
H346

where?

הַשָּׂ֥ם13 of 17

where is he that put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בְּקִרְבּ֖וֹ14 of 17

within

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

אֶת15 of 17
H853

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

ר֥וּחַ16 of 17

Spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃17 of 17

his holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 63:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 63:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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