OET interlinear ISA 48:4

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

מִ⁠דַּעְתִּ֕⁠י

because,knew,I

The word translated as Because indicates that what follows is a reason for what comes after it. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what comes after it. Alternate translation: [The reason for this is that I knew]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / yousingular

קָשֶׁ֖ה אָ֑תָּה

obstinate you(ms)

The word you is singular here, even though Yahweh is addressing the whole nation of Israel. If your language distinguishes singular and plural forms of “you,” use whichever form is natural for addressing a group as a single person.

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

וְ⁠גִ֤יד בַּרְזֶל֙ עָרְפֶּ֔⁠ךָ

and_[was],a_tendon_of iron neck_of,your

Here Yahweh is speaking as if the people’s neck were a sinew of iron, that is, something that cannot be bent. He means that the people stubbornly refuse to obey him. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and your neck is stiff and unbendable]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

וּ⁠מִצְחֲ⁠ךָ֖ נְחוּשָֽׁה

and,forehead_of,your bronze

Here Yahweh is speaking as if the people’s forehead were bronze, that is, hard and unyielding. He means that the people stubbornly refuse to change. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and your forehead is hard and unyielding]