Isaiah 23:7

Authorized King James Version

Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲזֹ֥את
this (often used adverb)
#2
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#3
עַלִּיזָ֑ה
Is this your joyous
exultant
#4
מִֽימֵי
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
קֶ֤דֶם
is of ancient
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#6
קַדְמָתָהּ֙
city whose antiquity
priority (in time); also used adverbially (before)
#7
יֹבִל֣וּהָ
shall carry
properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)
#8
רַגְלֶ֔יהָ
her own feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#9
מֵֽרָח֖וֹק
her afar off
remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)
#10
לָגֽוּר׃
to sojourn
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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