Isaiah 13:10

Authorized King James Version

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כוֹכְבֵ֤י

H3556

For the stars

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

of 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

וּכְסִ֣ילֵיהֶ֔ם

H3685

and the constellations

any notable constellation; specifically orion (as if a burly one)

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָהֵ֖לּוּ

H1984

thereof shall not give

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אוֹרֽוֹ׃

H216

shall not cause her light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

חָשַׁ֤ךְ

H2821

shall be darkened

to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken

הַשֶּׁ֙מֶשׁ֙

H8121

the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#10

בְּצֵאת֔וֹ

H3318

in his going forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#11

וְיָרֵ֖חַ

H3394

and the moon

the moon

#12

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יַגִּ֥יהַ

H5050

to shine

to glitter; causatively, to illuminate

#14

אוֹרֽוֹ׃

H216

shall not cause her light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

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?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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