Isaiah 27:1

Authorized King James Version

In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
הַה֡וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
יִפְקֹ֣ד
shall punish
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#4
יְהוָה֩
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
בְּחַרְב֨וֹ
sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#6
הַקָּשָׁ֜ה
with his sore
severe (in various applications)
#7
וְהַגְּדוֹלָ֣ה
and great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#8
וְהַֽחֲזָקָ֗ה
and strong
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
#9
עַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
לִוְיָתָ֔ן
even leviathan
a wreathed animal, i.e., a large sea-monster; figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of babylon
#11
נָחָ֖שׁ
serpent
a snake (from its hiss)
#12
בָּרִ֔חַ
the piercing
a fugitive, i.e., the serpent (as fleeing), and the constellation by that name
#13
וְעַל֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לִוְיָתָ֔ן
even leviathan
a wreathed animal, i.e., a large sea-monster; figuratively, the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of babylon
#15
נָחָ֖שׁ
serpent
a snake (from its hiss)
#16
עֲקַלָּת֑וֹן
that crooked
tortuous
#17
וְהָרַ֥ג
and he shall slay
to smite with deadly intent
#18
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
הַתַּנִּ֖ין
the dragon
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#20
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
בַּיָּֽם׃
that is in the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Isaiah.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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