Isaiah 14:11

Authorized King James Version

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הוּרַ֥ד
is brought down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
שְׁא֛וֹל
to the grave
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#3
גְאוֹנֶ֖ךָ
Thy pomp
the same as h1346
#4
הֶמְיַ֣ת
and the noise
sound
#5
נְבָלֶ֑יךָ
of thy viols
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
#6
תַּחְתֶּ֙יךָ֙
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#7
יֻצַּ֣ע
is spread
to strew as a surface
#8
רִמָּ֔ה
the worm
a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively
#9
וּמְכַסֶּ֖יךָ
cover
a covering, i.e., garment; specifically, a coverlet (for a bed), an awning (from the sun); also the omentum (as covering the intestines)
#10
תּוֹלֵעָֽה׃
under thee and the worms
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl

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

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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