Isaiah 22:16

Authorized King James Version

What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְּךָ֥

פֹּ֖ה

H6311

here

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וּמִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

לְךָ֣

פֹּ֖ה

H6311

here

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חֹצְבִ֤י

H2672

What hast thou here and whom hast thou here that thou hast hewed thee out

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

לְּךָ֛

#10

פֹּ֖ה

H6311

here

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

#11

קִבְר֔וֹ

H6913

a sepulchre

a sepulcher

#12

חֹצְבִ֤י

H2672

What hast thou here and whom hast thou here that thou hast hewed thee out

to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave

#13

מָרוֹם֙

H4791

on high

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

#14

קִבְר֔וֹ

H6913

a sepulchre

a sepulcher

#15

חֹקְקִ֥י

H2710

and that graveth

properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive

#16

בַסֶּ֖לַע

H5553

for himself in a rock

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

#17

מִשְׁכָּ֥ן

H4908

an habitation

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

#18

לֽוֹ׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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