Isaiah 13:17

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנְנִ֛י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
מֵעִ֥יר
Behold I will stir up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#3
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
מָדָ֑י
the Medes
madai, a country of central asia
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
כֶּ֙סֶף֙
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יַחְשֹׁ֔בוּ
against them which shall not regard
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#10
וְזָהָ֖ב
and as for gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יַחְפְּצוּ
they shall not delight
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#13
בֽוֹ׃
H0

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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