Isaiah 10:15

Authorized King James Version

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲיִתְפָּאֵר֙
boast
to gleam, i.e., (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e., make clear) oneself; to shake a tree
#2
הַגַּרְזֶ֔ן
Shall the axe
an axe
#3
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הַחֹצֵ֣ב
itself against him that heweth
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#5
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
יִתְגַּדֵּ֤ל
magnify
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#8
הַמַּשּׂוֹר֙
therewith or shall the saw
a saw
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כְּהָנִ֥יף
itself against him that shaketh
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#11
כְּהָנִ֥יף
itself against him that shaketh
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#12
שֵׁ֙בֶט֙
it as if the rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#13
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
כְּהָרִ֥ים
itself against them that lift it up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#15
כְּהָרִ֥ים
itself against them that lift it up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#16
מַטֶּ֖ה
or as if the staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#17
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
עֵֽץ׃
itself as if it were no wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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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