Isaiah 25:2

Authorized King James Version

For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שַׂ֤מְתָּ

H7760

For thou hast made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

מֵעִ֔יר

H5892

of a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לַגָּ֔ל

H1530

an heap

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

קִרְיָ֥ה

H7151

city

a city

בְצוּרָ֖ה

H1219

of a defenced

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

לְמַפֵּלָ֑ה

H4654

a ruin

something fallen, i.e., a ruin

אַרְמ֤וֹן

H759

a palace

a citadel (from its height)

זָרִים֙

H2114

of strangers

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

#10

מֵעִ֔יר

H5892

of a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#11

לְעוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

it shall never

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#12

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יִבָּנֶֽה׃

H1129

be built

to build (literally and figuratively)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 25 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Isaiah