Isaiah 13:21

Authorized King James Version

But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָבְצוּ
shall lie
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#2
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#3
צִיִּ֔ים
But wild beasts of the desert
a desert-dweller, i.e., nomad or wild beast
#4
וּמָלְא֥וּ
shall be full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#5
בָתֵּיהֶ֖ם
there and their houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
אֹחִ֑ים
of doleful creatures
a howler or lonesome wild animal
#7
וְשָׁ֤כְנוּ
shall dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#8
שָׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#9
בְּנ֣וֹת
and owls
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#10
יַֽעֲנָ֔ה
owl
#11
וּשְׂעִירִ֖ים
there and satyrs
shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun
#12
יְרַקְּדוּ
shall dance
properly, to stamp, i.e., to spring about (wildly or for joy)
#13
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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