Isaiah 21:1

Authorized King James Version

The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַשָּׂ֖א
The burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#2
מִמִּדְבָּ֣ר
from the desert
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#3
יָ֑ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#4
כְּסוּפ֤וֹת
As whirlwinds
a hurricane
#5
בַּנֶּ֙גֶב֙
in the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
#6
לַֽחֲלֹ֔ף
pass
properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change
#7
מִמִּדְבָּ֣ר
from the desert
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#8
בָּ֔א
through so it cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
מֵאֶ֖רֶץ
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
נוֹרָאָֽה׃
from a terrible
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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