Haggai 1:10

Authorized King James Version

Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
כָּלְאָ֥ה
is stayed
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#5
שָׁמַ֖יִם
Therefore the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#6
מִטָּ֑ל
from dew
dew (as covering vegetation)
#7
וְהָאָ֖רֶץ
and the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
כָּלְאָ֥ה
is stayed
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#9
יְבוּלָֽהּ׃
from her fruit
produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth

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 Haggai 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