Isaiah 28:13

Authorized King James Version

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לָהֶ֜ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
דְּבַר
But the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
לָצָו֙
precept
an injunction
#6
לָצָו֙
precept
an injunction
#7
לָצָו֙
precept
an injunction
#8
לָצָו֙
precept
an injunction
#9
לָקָ֔ו
line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#10
לָקָ֔ו
line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#11
לָקָ֔ו
line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#12
לָקָ֔ו
line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#13
זְעֵ֣יר
and there a little
small
#14
שָׁ֖ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#15
זְעֵ֣יר
and there a little
small
#16
שָׁ֑ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#17
לְמַ֨עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#18
יֵלְכ֜וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#19
וְכָשְׁל֤וּ
and fall
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#20
אָחוֹר֙
backward
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#21
וְנִשְׁבָּ֔רוּ
and be broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#22
וְנוֹקְשׁ֖וּ
and snared
to ensnare (literally or figuratively)
#23
וְנִלְכָּֽדוּ׃
and taken
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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