Isaiah 24:6

Authorized King James Version

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
אָלָה֙
Therefore hath the curse
an imprecation
#4
אָ֣כְלָה
devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
וַֽיֶּאְשְׁמ֖וּ
therein are desolate
to be guilty; by implication to be punished or perish
#7
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
and they that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#8
בָ֑הּ
H0
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#11
חָרוּ֙
are burned
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
#12
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי
and they that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
אֶ֔רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#14
וְנִשְׁאַ֥ר
left
properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant
#15
אֱנ֖וֹשׁ
men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#16
מִזְעָֽר׃
and few
fewness; by implication, as superlative diminutiveness

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 divine revelation 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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