Isaiah 20:6

Authorized King James Version

And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠אָמַר
shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יֹשֵׁ֨ב
And the inhabitant
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
הָאִ֣י
of this isle
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
#4
הַזֶּה֮
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#5
בַּיּ֣וֹם
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
#6
הַהוּא֒
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
#7
הִנֵּה
lo!
#8
כֹ֣ה
Behold such
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
מַבָּטֵ֗נוּ
is our expectation
something expected, i.e., (abstractly) expectation
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
נַ֤סְנוּ
whither we flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#12
שָׁם֙
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
לְעֶזְרָ֔ה
for help
aid
#14
לְהִ֨נָּצֵ֔ל
to be delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#15
מִפְּנֵ֖י
from
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
מֶ֣לֶךְ
the king
a king
#17
אַשּׁ֑וּר
of Assyria
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
#18
וְאֵ֖יךְ
how? or how!; also where
#19
נִמָּלֵ֥ט
and how shall we escape
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#20
אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃
we

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People