Isaiah 21:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
מָלְא֤וּ
filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
מָתְנַי֙
Therefore are my loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#5
חַלְחָלָ֔ה
with pain
writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror
#6
כְּצִירֵ֖י
pangs
a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)
#7
אֲחָז֔וּנִי
have taken hold
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#8
כְּצִירֵ֖י
pangs
a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure)
#9
יֽוֹלֵדָ֑ה
of a woman that travaileth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#10
נַעֲוֵ֣יתִי
I was bowed down
to crook, literally or figuratively
#11
מִשְּׁמֹ֔עַ
at the hearing
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#12
נִבְהַ֖לְתִּי
of it I was dismayed
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
#13
מֵרְאֽוֹת׃
at the seeing
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 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

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