Isaiah 22:4

Authorized King James Version

Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.

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
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
אָמַ֛רְתִּי
Therefore said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
שְׁע֥וּ
I Look away
to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil
#5
מִנִּ֖י
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#6
אֲמָרֵ֣ר
bitterly
to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively)
#7
בַּבֶּ֑כִי
from me I will weep
a weeping; by analogy, a dripping
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תָּאִ֣יצוּ
labour
to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw
#10
לְנַֽחֲמֵ֔נִי
not to comfort
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
שֹׁ֖ד
me because of the spoiling
violence, ravage
#13
בַּת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
עַמִּֽי׃
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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