Isaiah 24:20

Authorized King James Version

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תָּנ֤וּעַ
shall reel
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#2
תָּנ֤וּעַ
shall reel
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
#3
אֶ֙רֶץ֙
The earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
כַּשִּׁכּ֔וֹר
like a drunkard
intoxicated, as a state or a habit
#5
וְהִֽתְנוֹדְדָ֖ה
and shall be removed
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
#6
כַּמְּלוּנָ֑ה
like a cottage
a hut, a hammock
#7
וְכָבַ֤ד
thereof shall be heavy
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#8
עָלֶ֙יהָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
פִּשְׁעָ֔הּ
and the transgression
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#10
וְנָפְלָ֖ה
upon it and it shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#11
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תֹסִ֥יף
again
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#13
קֽוּם׃
and not rise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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