Isaiah 26:5

Authorized King James Version

For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
הֵשַׁח֙
For he bringeth down
to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)
#3
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
them that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#4
מָר֔וֹם
on high
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#5
קִרְיָ֖ה
city
a city
#6
נִשְׂגָּבָ֑ה
the lofty
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively
#7
יַשְׁפִּילָהּ֙
he layeth it low
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
#8
יַשְׁפִּילָהּ֙
he layeth it low
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
#9
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
אֶ֔רֶץ
even to the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
יַגִּיעֶ֖נָּה
he bringeth
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#12
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
עָפָֽר׃
it even to the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

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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