Isaiah 2:22

Authorized King James Version

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חִדְל֤וּ
Cease
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#2
לָכֶם֙
H0
#3
מִן
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#4
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
ye from man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נְשָׁמָ֖ה
whose breath
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
#7
בְּאַפּ֑וֹ
is in his nostrils
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
בַמֶּ֥ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#10
נֶחְשָׁ֖ב
for wherein is he to be accounted of
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#11
הֽוּא׃
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

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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