Isaiah 1:31

Authorized King James Version

And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הֶחָסֹן֙
And the strong
powerful
#3
לִנְעֹ֔רֶת
shall be as tow
something shaken out, i.e., tow (as the refuse of flax)
#4
וּפֹעֲל֖וֹ
and the maker
an act or work (concretely)
#5
לְנִיצ֑וֹץ
of it as a spark
a spark
#6
וּבָעֲר֧וּ
burn
to be(-come) brutish
#7
שְׁנֵיהֶ֛ם
and they shall both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#8
יַחְדָּ֖ו
together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#9
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#10
מְכַבֶּֽה׃
and none shall quench
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Isaiah's theological argument.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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