Isaiah 16:3

Authorized King James Version

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָבִ֤יאִו
Take
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
עֵצָה֙
counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#3
עֲשׂ֣וּ
execute
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
פְלִילָ֔ה
judgment
justice
#5
שִׁ֧יתִי
make
to place (in a very wide application)
#6
כַלַּ֛יִל
as the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#7
צִלֵּ֖ךְ
thy shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#8
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#9
צָהֳרָ֑יִם
of the noonday
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
#10
סַתְּרִי֙
hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#11
נִדָּחִ֔ים
the outcasts
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
#12
נֹדֵ֖ד
not him that wandereth
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
#13
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#14
תְּגַלִּֽי׃
bewray
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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