Isaiah 19:1

Authorized King James Version

The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַשָּׂ֖א
The burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#2
מִצְרַ֖יִם
into Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#3
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#4
יְהוָ֜ה
Behold the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
רֹכֵ֨ב
rideth
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
עָ֥ב
cloud
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#8
קַל֙
upon a swift
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
#9
וּבָ֣א
and shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
מִצְרַ֖יִם
into Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#11
וְנָע֞וּ
shall be moved
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#12
אֱלִילֵ֤י
and the idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#13
מִצְרַ֖יִם
into Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#14
מִפָּנָ֔יו
at his presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
וּלְבַ֥ב
and the heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#16
מִצְרַ֖יִם
into Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#17
יִמַּ֥ס
shall melt
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
#18
בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ׃
in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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