Isaiah 2:19

Authorized King James Version

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָ֙אוּ֙
And they shall go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בִּמְעָר֣וֹת
into the holes
a cavern (as dark)
#3
צֻרִ֔ים
of the rocks
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#4
וּבִמְחִלּ֖וֹת
and into the caves
a cavern (as if excavated)
#5
עָפָ֑ר
of the earth
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#6
מִפְּנֵ֞י
for
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
פַּ֤חַד
fear
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
#8
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#9
וּמֵהֲדַ֣ר
and for the glory
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
#10
גְּאוֹנ֔וֹ
of his majesty
the same as h1346
#11
בְּקוּמ֖וֹ
when he ariseth
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#12
לַעֲרֹ֥ץ
to shake terribly
to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass
#13
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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