Isaiah 24:13

Authorized King James Version

When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כֹ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
יִהְיֶ֛ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
When thus it shall be in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#5
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
בְּת֣וֹךְ
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
כְּנֹ֣קֶף
there shall be as the shaking
a threshing (of olives)
#9
זַ֔יִת
of an olive tree
an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry
#10
כְּעוֹלֵלֹ֖ת
and as the gleaning grapes
only in plural gleanings; by extension gleaning-time
#11
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#12
כָּלָ֥ה
is done
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#13
בָצִֽיר׃
when the vintage
clipped, i.e., the grape crop

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 covenant community 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People