Isaiah 16:14

Authorized King James Version

But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֗ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
דִּבֶּ֣ר
hath spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
יְהוָה֮
But now the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
לֵאמֹר֒
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
בְּשָׁלֹ֤שׁ
Within three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#6
כִּשְׁנֵ֣י
as the years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#7
כִּשְׁנֵ֣י
as the years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#8
שָׂכִ֔יר
of an hireling
a man who is hired by the day or year
#9
וְנִקְלָה֙
shall be contemned
to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)
#10
כְּב֣וֹד
and the glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#11
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
#12
בְּכֹ֖ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
הֶהָמ֣וֹן
multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#14
הָרָ֑ב
with all that great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#15
וּשְׁאָ֥ר
and the remnant
a remainder
#16
מְעַ֛ט
shall be very
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#17
מִזְעָ֖ר
small
fewness; by implication, as superlative diminutiveness
#18
ל֥וֹא
and feeble
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
כַבִּֽיר׃
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many

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 glory 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People