Isaiah 19:3

Authorized King James Version

And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָבְקָ֤ה
shall fail
to pour out, i.e., to empty, figuratively, to depopulate; by analogy, to spread out (as a fruitful vine)
#2
רֽוּחַ
And the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#3
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#4
בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ
in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#5
וַעֲצָת֖וֹ
the counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#6
אֲבַלֵּ֑עַ
thereof and I will destroy
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#7
וְדָרְשׁ֤וּ
thereof and they shall seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הָֽאֱלִילִים֙
to the idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#10
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#11
הָ֣אִטִּ֔ים
and to the charmers
(as an adverb) gently
#12
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
הָאֹב֖וֹת
and to them that have familiar spirits
properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)
#14
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
הַיִּדְּעֹנִֽים׃
and to the wizards
properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

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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