Isaiah 22:13

Authorized King James Version

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּ֣ה׀
lo!
#2
שָׂשׂ֣וֹן
And behold joy
cheerfulness; specifically, welcome
#3
וְשִׂמְחָ֗ה
and gladness
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#4
הָרֹ֤ג׀
slaying
to smite with deadly intent
#5
בָּקָר֙
oxen
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#6
וְשָׁחֹ֣ט
and killing
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#7
צֹ֔אן
sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#8
אָכ֣וֹל
eating
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
בָּשָׂ֖ר
flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#10
וְשָׁת֔וֹ
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#11
יָ֑יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#12
אָכ֣וֹל
eating
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְשָׁת֔וֹ
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#14
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
מָחָ֖ר
for to morrow
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
#16
נָמֽוּת׃
we shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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