Isaiah 2:8

Authorized King James Version

Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א

H4390

also is full

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אַרְצ֖וֹ

H776

Their land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֱלִילִ֑ים

H457

of idols

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

לְמַעֲשֵׂ֤ה

H4639

the work

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדָיו֙

H3027

of their own hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֔וּ

H7812

they worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂ֖וּ

H6213

have made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶצְבְּעֹתָֽיו׃

H676

that which their own fingers

something to sieze with, i.e., a finger; by analogy, a toe

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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