Isaiah 11:14

Authorized King James Version

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָפ֨וּ

H5774

But they shall fly

to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

בְכָתֵ֤ף

H3802

upon the shoulders

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

פְּלִשְׁתִּים֙

H6430

of the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

יָ֔מָּה

H3220

toward the west

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יַחְדָּ֖ו

H3162

together

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

יָבֹ֣זּוּ

H962

they shall spoil

to plunder

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

and the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קֶ֑דֶם

H6924

of the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

#10

אֱד֤וֹם

H123

upon Edom

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

#11

וּמוֹאָב֙

H4124

and Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

#12

מִשְׁל֣וֹח

H4916

they shall lay

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

#13

יָדָ֔ם

H3027

their hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#14

וּבְנֵ֥י

H1121

and the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

עַמּ֖וֹן

H5983

of Ammon

ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country

#16

מִשְׁמַעְתָּֽם׃

H4928

shall obey

audience, i.e., the royal court; also obedience, i.e., (concretely) a subject

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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