Isaiah 13:22

Authorized King James Version

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָנָ֤ה
shall cry
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
אִיִּים֙
And the wild beasts of the islands
a howler (used only in the plural), i.e., any solitary wild creature
#3
בְּאַלְמנוֹתָ֔יו
in their desolate houses
a widow; also a desolate place
#4
וְתַנִּ֖ים
and dragons
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#5
בְּהֵ֣יכְלֵי
palaces
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#6
עֹ֑נֶג
in their pleasant
luxury
#7
וְקָר֤וֹב
is near
near (in place, kindred or time)
#8
לָבוֹא֙
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
עִתָּ֔הּ
and her time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#10
וְיָמֶ֖יהָ
and her days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יִמָּשֵֽׁכוּ׃
shall not be prolonged
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People