Isaiah 28:18

Authorized King James Version

And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֻפַּ֤ר

H3722

shall be disannulled

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

בְּרִֽיתְכֶם֙

H1285

And your covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

מָ֔וֶת

H4194

with death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

וְחָזוּתְכֶ֥ם

H2380

and your agreement

a look; hence (figuratively) striking appearance, revelation, or (by implication) compact

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

שְׁא֖וֹל

H7585

with hell

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָק֑וּם

H6965

shall not stand

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

#10

שׁ֤וֹט

H7752

scourge

a lash (literally or figuratively)

#11

שׁוֹטֵף֙

H7857

when the overflowing

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

#12

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

יַֽעֲבֹ֔ר

H5674

shall pass through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#14

וִהְיִ֥יתֶם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

ל֖וֹ

#16

לְמִרְמָֽס׃

H4823

then ye shall be trodden down

abasement (the act or the thing)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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