Isaiah 17:4

Authorized King James Version

And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
יִדַּ֖ל
shall be made thin
to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed
#5
כְּב֣וֹד
it shall come to pass that the glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#6
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
of Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#7
וּמִשְׁמַ֥ן
and the fatness
fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man
#8
בְּשָׂר֖וֹ
of his flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#9
יֵרָזֶֽה׃
shall wax lean
to emaciate, i.e., make (become) thin (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of glory reflects the development of salvation 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

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

People