Isaiah 2:17

Authorized King James Version

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׁח֙
shall be bowed down
to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)
#2
גַּבְה֣וּת
And the loftiness
pride
#3
הָאָדָ֔ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
וְשָׁפֵ֖ל
shall be made low
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
#5
ר֣וּם
and the haughtiness
(literally) elevation or (figuratively) elation
#6
אֲנָשִׁ֑ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
וְנִשְׂגַּ֧ב
alone shall be exalted
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
#8
יְהוָ֛ה
and the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
לְבַדּ֖וֹ
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#10
בַּיּ֥וֹם
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
#11
הַהֽוּא׃
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

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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