Isaiah 27:10

Authorized King James Version

Yet the defenced city shall be desolate, and the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
עִ֤יר
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
בְּצוּרָה֙
Yet the defenced
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#4
בָּדָ֔ד
shall be desolate
separate; adverb, separately
#5
נָוֶ֕ה
and the habitation
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
#6
מְשֻׁלָּ֥ח
forsaken
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#7
וְנֶעֱזָ֖ב
and left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#8
כַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
like a wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#9
שָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#10
יִרְעֶ֥ה
feed
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#11
עֵ֛גֶל
there shall the calf
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#12
וְשָׁ֥ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
יִרְבָּ֖ץ
and there shall he lie down
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#14
וְכִלָּ֥ה
and consume
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#15
סְעִפֶֽיהָ׃
the branches
a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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