Isaiah 28:1

Authorized King James Version

Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֗וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
עֲטֶ֤רֶת
to the crown
a crown
#3
גֵּאוּת֙
of pride
the same as h1346
#4
שִׁכֹּרֵ֣י
to the drunkards
intoxicated, as a state or a habit
#5
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#6
וְצִ֥יץ
flower
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
#7
נֹבֵ֖ל
is a fading
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
#8
צְבִ֣י
whose glorious
a gazelle (as beautiful)
#9
תִפְאַרְתּ֑וֹ
beauty
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#10
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
רֹ֥אשׁ
which are on the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#13
גֵּֽיא
valleys
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#14
שְׁמָנִ֖ים
of the fat
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
#15
הֲל֥וּמֵי
of them that are overcome
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
#16
יָֽיִן׃
with wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Isaiah.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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