Isaiah 18:3

Authorized King James Version

All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
All ye inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
תֵבֵ֖ל
of the world
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
#4
וְשֹׁ֣כְנֵי
and dwellers
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#5
אָ֑רֶץ
on the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
כִּנְשֹׂא
ye when he lifteth up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#7
נֵ֤ס
an ensign
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
#8
הָרִים֙
on the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#9
תִּרְא֔וּ
see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#10
וְכִתְקֹ֥עַ
and when he bloweth
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
#11
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
a trumpet
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
#12
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ׃
hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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