Isaiah 24:11

Authorized King James Version

There is a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צְוָחָ֥ה
There is a crying
a screech (of anguish)
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
הַיַּ֖יִן
for wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#4
בַּֽחוּצ֑וֹת
in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#5
עָֽרְבָה֙
is darkened
to grow dusky at sundown
#6
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
שִׂמְחָ֔ה
all joy
blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)
#8
גָּלָ֖ה
is gone
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#9
מְשׂ֥וֹשׂ
the mirth
delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling)
#10
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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