Isaiah 14:12

Authorized King James Version

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֛יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#2
נָפַ֥לְתָּ
How art thou fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
מִשָּׁמַ֖יִם
from heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#4
הֵילֵ֣ל
O Lucifer
lucifer, the morning-star
#5
בֶּן
son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
שָׁ֑חַר
of the morning
dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
#7
נִגְדַּ֣עְתָּ
how art thou cut down
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
#8
לָאָ֔רֶץ
to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
חוֹלֵ֖שׁ
which didst weaken
to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
גּוֹיִֽם׃
the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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