Isaiah 14:6

Authorized King James Version

He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַכֶּ֤ה
He who smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#2
עַמִּים֙
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
בְּעֶבְרָ֔ה
in wrath
an outburst of passion
#4
מַכַּ֖ת
stroke
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
#5
בִּלְתִּ֣י
with a continual
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#6
סָרָ֑ה
apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission
#7
רֹדֶ֤ה
he that ruled
to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off
#8
בָאַף֙
in anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#9
גּוֹיִ֔ם
the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
מֻרְדָּ֖ף
is persecuted
persecuted
#11
בְּלִ֥י
and none
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#12
חָשָֽׂךְ׃
hindereth
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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