Isaiah 11:8

Authorized King James Version

And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע
shall play
(in a good acceptation) to look upon (with complacency), i.e., fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad one) to look about (in dismay), i.e., stare
#2
יוֹנֵ֖ק
And the sucking child
to suck; causatively, to give milk
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
חֻ֣ר
on the hole
the crevice of a serpent; the cell of a prison
#5
פָּ֑תֶן
of the asp
an asp (from its contortions)
#6
וְעַל֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
מְאוּרַ֣ת
den
something lighted, i.e., an aperture; by implication, a crevice or hole (of a serpent)
#8
צִפְעוֹנִ֔י
on the cockatrice
a viper (as thrusting out the tongue, i.e., hissing)
#9
גָּמ֖וּל
and the weaned child
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
#10
יָד֥וֹ
his 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
#11
הָדָֽה׃
shall put
to stretch forth the hand

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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