Isaiah 14:31

Authorized King James Version

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵילִ֤ילִֽי
Howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
#2
שַׁ֙עַר֙
O gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
זַֽעֲקִי
cry
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
#4
עִ֔יר
O city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#5
נָמ֖וֹג
art dissolved
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
#6
פְּלֶ֣שֶׁת
thou whole Palestina
pelesheth, a region of syria
#7
כֻּלֵּ֑ךְ
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
מִצָּפוֹן֙
from the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#10
עָשָׁ֣ן
a smoke
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
#11
בָּ֔א
for there shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
בּוֹדֵ֖ד
and none shall be alone
to divide, i.e., (reflexive) be solitary
#14
בְּמוֹעָדָֽיו׃
in his appointed times
properly, an assembly; figuratively, a troop

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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