Isaiah 22:1

Authorized King James Version

The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַשָּׂ֖א
The burden
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#2
גֵּ֣יא
of the valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#3
חִזָּי֑וֹן
of vision
a revelation, expectation by dream
#4
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#5
לָּ֣ךְ
H0
#6
אֵפ֔וֹא
What aileth thee now
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
עָלִ֥ית
that thou art wholly gone up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
כֻּלָּ֖ךְ
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
לַגַּגּֽוֹת׃
to the housetops
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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