Isaiah 14:4

Authorized King James Version

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָשָׂ֜אתָ
That thou shalt take up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
הַמָּשָׁ֥ל
this proverb
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#3
הַזֶּ֛ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מֶ֥לֶךְ
against the king
a king
#6
בָּבֶ֖ל
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#7
וְאָמָ֑רְתָּ
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֵ֚יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#9
שָׁבְתָ֖ה
ceased
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#10
נֹגֵ֔שׂ
How hath the oppressor
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#11
שָׁבְתָ֖ה
ceased
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#12
מַדְהֵבָֽה׃
the golden city
goldmaking (i.e., exactress of gold)

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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