Isaiah 16:4

Authorized King James Version

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָג֤וּרוּ

H1481

dwell

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בָךְ֙

נִדָּחַ֔י

H5080

Let mine outcasts

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

מוֹאָ֛ב

H4124

with thee Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

הֱוִי

H1933

to be (in the sense of existence)

סֵ֥תֶר

H5643

thou a covert

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)

לָ֖מוֹ

מִפְּנֵ֣י

H6440

to them from the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שׁוֹדֵ֑ד

H7703

of the spoiler

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

אָפֵ֤ס

H656

is at an end

to disappear, i.e., cease

#12

הַמֵּץ֙

H4160

for the extortioner

to press, i.e., (figuratively) to oppress

#13

כָּ֣לָה

H3615

ceaseth

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

#14

שֹׁ֔ד

H7701

the spoiler

violence, ravage

#15

תַּ֥מּוּ

H8552

are consumed

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

#16

רֹמֵ֖ס

H7429

the oppressors

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

#17

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#18

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

out of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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