Why Is Isaiah 9:6 Translated In The Future Tense

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Introduction

The prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most well-known and revered passages in the Bible, foretelling the birth of a child who will bring government and peace to the people. However, a closer examination of the translation reveals that the verse is often rendered in the future tense, which may seem counterintuitive given the context of the passage. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense and explore the implications of this choice.

The Hebrew Text

To understand the translation of Isaiah 9:6, it is essential to examine the original Hebrew text. The verse reads:

讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah) 诇指谞讜旨 (l'nu) 讘侄谉 (ben) 讬只诇职讚指讛 (yuladah) 讜职谞指转址谉 (v'natan) 诇指谞讜旨 (l'nu) 讘侄谉 (ben) 讬指转值谉 (yatein) 注址诇 (al) 讻址转止旨祝 (khatof) 砖职讈诪讜止 (shmo) 讬执拽指旨专值讗 (yikare) (Isaiah 9:6)

The Hebrew text uses the future tense verb 讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah), which is often translated as "shall be" or "will be." This verb is used to indicate a future event or state, and it is this verb that gives the translation of Isaiah 9:6 its future tense flavor.

The Meaning of the Future Tense

In Hebrew, the future tense is used to describe an event that will occur in the future. However, it is also used to describe a state or condition that will exist in the future. In the case of Isaiah 9:6, the future tense verb 讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah) is used to describe the state of the child who will be born. The verse is not simply predicting a future event, but rather describing the character and nature of the child who will be born.

The Implications of the Future Tense

The use of the future tense in Isaiah 9:6 has significant implications for our understanding of the passage. If the verse is translated in the future tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is not yet present, but will arrive in the future. This interpretation is consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

However, if the verse is translated in the present tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is already present, and that the government and peace are already established. This interpretation is less consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

The Role of the Translator

The translator plays a crucial role in determining the meaning of the passage. In the case of Isaiah 9:6, the translator must decide whether to translate the verse in the future tense or the present tense. The choice of tense can significantly impact the meaning and interpretation of the passage.

The Importance of Context

The context of the passage is also crucial in determining the meaning of the verse. In the case of Isaiah 9:6, the passage is part of a larger prophetic section that is looking forward to a future event or state. The context of the passage suggests that the child who will be born is not yet present, but will arrive in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense is a deliberate choice made by the translator. The use of the future tense verb 讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah) in the Hebrew text suggests that the child who will be born is not yet present, but will arrive in the future. The implications of this choice are significant, and it highlights the importance of considering the context and the role of the translator in determining the meaning of the passage.

Theological Implications

The translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense has significant theological implications. If the verse is translated in the future tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is a future event or state that has not yet occurred. This interpretation is consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

However, if the verse is translated in the present tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is already present, and that the government and peace are already established. This interpretation is less consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

The Significance of the Child

The child who will be born in Isaiah 9:6 is a significant figure in the passage. The child is described as a child who will bring government and peace to the people. The child is also described as a child who will be given to us, suggesting that the child is a gift from God.

The Government and Peace

The government and peace that the child will bring are also significant themes in the passage. The government is described as a government that will be established on the child's shoulder, suggesting that the child will be the ruler or leader of the people. The peace is described as a peace that will be established through the child, suggesting that the child will bring an end to conflict and violence.

The Significance of the Name

The name of the child is also significant in the passage. The child's name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The name suggests that the child will be a powerful and wise leader who will bring peace and prosperity to the people.

The Implications for the Church

The translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense has significant implications for the church. If the verse is translated in the future tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is a future event or state that has not yet occurred. This interpretation is consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

However, if the verse is translated in the present tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is already present, and that the government and peace are already established. This interpretation is less consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

The Significance of the Passage

The passage in Isaiah 9:6 is significant because it foretells the birth of a child who will bring government and peace to the people. The passage is also significant because it highlights the importance of considering the context and the role of the translator in determining the meaning of the passage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense is a deliberate choice made by the translator. The use of the future tense verb 讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah) in the Hebrew text suggests that the child who will be born is not yet present, but will arrive in the future. The implications of this choice are significant, and it highlights the importance of considering the context and the role of the translator in determining the meaning of the passage.

Q: Why is Isaiah 9:6 translated in the future tense?

A: The translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense is a deliberate choice made by the translator. The use of the future tense verb 讜职讛指讬指讛 (v'hayah) in the Hebrew text suggests that the child who will be born is not yet present, but will arrive in the future.

Q: What is the significance of the child in Isaiah 9:6?

A: The child who will be born in Isaiah 9:6 is a significant figure in the passage. The child is described as a child who will bring government and peace to the people. The child is also described as a child who will be given to us, suggesting that the child is a gift from God.

Q: What is the government and peace that the child will bring?

A: The government and peace that the child will bring are significant themes in the passage. The government is described as a government that will be established on the child's shoulder, suggesting that the child will be the ruler or leader of the people. The peace is described as a peace that will be established through the child, suggesting that the child will bring an end to conflict and violence.

Q: What is the significance of the name of the child?

A: The name of the child is also significant in the passage. The child's name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The name suggests that the child will be a powerful and wise leader who will bring peace and prosperity to the people.

Q: How does the translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense impact our understanding of the passage?

A: The translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense has significant implications for our understanding of the passage. If the verse is translated in the future tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is a future event or state that has not yet occurred. This interpretation is consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

Q: What are the implications of the translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense for the church?

A: The translation of Isaiah 9:6 in the future tense has significant implications for the church. If the verse is translated in the future tense, it suggests that the child who will be born is a future event or state that has not yet occurred. This interpretation is consistent with the prophetic nature of the passage, which is looking forward to a future event or state.

Q: How can we apply the principles of Isaiah 9:6 to our lives today?

A: The principles of Isaiah 9:6 can be applied to our lives today by recognizing the importance of seeking peace and government through the child who will be born. This can be done by seeking guidance and wisdom from God, and by trusting in the promises of God to bring peace and prosperity to our lives.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about the translation of Isaiah 9:6?

A: Some common misconceptions about the translation of Isaiah 9:6 include:

  • That the verse is predicting a future event that has not yet occurred.
  • That the verse is describing a child who is already present.
  • That the verse is not relevant to our lives today.

Q: How can we ensure that we are accurately understanding the translation of Isaiah 9:6?

A: To ensure that we are accurately understanding the translation of Isaiah 9:6, we should:

  • Study the original Hebrew text.
  • Consider the context of the passage.
  • Seek guidance from trusted scholars and theologians.
  • Pray for wisdom and understanding.

Q: What are some resources that can help us understand the translation of Isaiah 9:6?

A: Some resources that can help us understand the translation of Isaiah 9:6 include:

  • Commentaries on the book of Isaiah.
  • Study Bibles that include notes on the translation of Isaiah 9:6.
  • Online resources and articles that discuss the translation of Isaiah 9:6.
  • Sermons and teachings that explore the meaning and significance of Isaiah 9:6.