Isaiah 13:14

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כִּצְבִ֣י
roe
a gazelle (as beautiful)
#3
מֻדָּ֔ח
And it shall be as the chased
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
#4
וּכְצֹ֖אן
and as a sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#5
וְאֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
מְקַבֵּ֑ץ
that no man taketh up
to grasp, i.e., collect
#7
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
עַמּוֹ֙
to his own people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
יִפְנ֔וּ
turn
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#11
וְאִ֥ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
אַרְצ֖וֹ
into his own land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
יָנֽוּסוּ׃
and flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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