Isaiah 25:4

Authorized King James Version

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הָיִ֨יתָ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
מָע֥וֹז
For thou hast been a strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#4
לַדָּ֛ל
to the poor
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
#5
מָע֥וֹז
For thou hast been a strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#6
לָאֶבְי֖וֹן
H34
to the needy
destitute
#7
בַּצַּר
in his distress
a pebble (as in h6864)
#8
ל֑וֹ
H0
#9
מַחְסֶ֤ה
a refuge
a shelter (literally or figuratively)
#10
כְּזֶ֥רֶם
from the storm
a gush of water
#11
צֵ֣ל
a shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#12
מֵחֹ֔רֶב
from the heat
drought or desolation
#13
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
ר֥וּחַ
when the blast
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#15
עָרִיצִ֖ים
of the terrible ones
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
#16
כְּזֶ֥רֶם
from the storm
a gush of water
#17
קִֽיר׃
against the wall
a wall (as built in a trench)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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