Isaiah 23:3

Authorized King James Version

And by great waters the seed of Sihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue; and she is a mart of nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְמַ֤יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#2
רַבִּים֙
And by great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#3
זֶ֣רַע
the seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#4
שִׁחֹ֔ר
of Sihor
shichor, a stream of egypt
#5
קְצִ֥יר
the harvest
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
#6
יְא֖וֹר
of the river
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
#7
תְּבֽוּאָתָ֑הּ
is her revenue
income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)
#8
וַתְּהִ֖י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
סְחַ֥ר
and she is a mart
an emporium; abstractly, profit (from trade)
#10
גּוֹיִֽם׃
of nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People