Isaiah 13:7

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
יָדַ֣יִם
Therefore shall all hands
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
#5
תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה
be faint
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
#6
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
לְבַ֥ב
heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#8
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
and every man's
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#9
יִמָּֽס׃
shall melt
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People