Isaiah 19:5

Authorized King James Version

And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִשְּׁתוּ
and dried up
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#2
מַ֖יִם
And the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#3
מֵֽהַיָּ֑ם
from the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#4
וְנָהָ֖ר
and the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#5
יֶחֱרַ֥ב
shall be wasted
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#6
וְיָבֵֽשׁ׃
shall fail
properly, to eliminate, i.e., (intransitively) to dry up

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

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