Isaiah 2:20

Authorized King James Version

In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֤וֹם
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
#2
הַהוּא֙
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
#3
יַשְׁלִ֣יךְ
shall cast
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
#4
הָאָדָ֔ם
a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
אֱלִילֵ֣י
and his idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#7
כַסְפּ֔וֹ
of silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#8
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֱלִילֵ֣י
and his idols
good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol
#10
זְהָב֑וֹ
of gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#11
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
עָֽשׂוּ
which they made each one for himself
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
לוֹ֙
H0
#14
לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֔ת
to worship
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#15
פֵּר֖וֹת
to the moles
a burrower, i.e., probably a rat
#16
פֵּר֖וֹת
to the moles
a burrower, i.e., probably a rat
#17
וְלָעֲטַלֵּפִֽים׃
and to the bats
a bat

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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