Isaiah 13:19

Authorized King James Version

And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיְתָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בָבֶל֙

H894

And Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

צְבִ֣י

H6643

the glory

a gazelle (as beautiful)

מַמְלָכ֔וֹת

H4467

of kingdoms

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת

H8597

the beauty

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

גְּא֣וֹן

H1347

excellency

the same as h1346

כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים

H3778

of the Chaldees

a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

כְּמַהְפֵּכַ֣ת

H4114

overthrew

a destruction

אֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

shall be as when God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

סְדֹ֖ם

H5467

Sodom

sedom, a place near the dead sea

#12

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

עֲמֹרָֽה׃

H6017

and Gomorrah

amorah, a place in palestine

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah