Isaiah 13:2

Authorized King James Version

Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
הַר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#3
נִשְׁפֶּה֙
upon the high
to abrade, i.e., bare
#4
שְֽׂאוּ
Lift ye up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#5
נֵ֔ס
a banner
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
#6
הָרִ֥ימוּ
exalt
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#7
ק֖וֹל
the voice
a voice or sound
#8
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#9
הָנִ֣יפוּ
unto them shake
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#10
יָ֔ד
the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
וְיָבֹ֖אוּ
that they may go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
פִּתְחֵ֥י
into the gates
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#13
נְדִיבִֽים׃
of the nobles
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

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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