Isaiah 13:18

Authorized King James Version

Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּקְשָׁת֖וֹת
Their bows
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#2
נְעָרִ֣ים
the young men
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#3
תְּרַטַּ֑שְׁנָה
also shall dash
to dash down
#4
וּפְרִי
on the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#5
בֶ֙טֶן֙
of the womb
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְרַחֵ֔מוּ
and they shall have no pity
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בָּנִ֖ים
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
#10
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תָח֥וּס
shall not spare
properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate
#12
עֵינָֽם׃
their eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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