Isaiah 28:24

Authorized King James Version

Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲכֹ֣ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
הַיּ֔וֹם
all 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
#3
הַחֹרֵ֖שׁ
Doth the plowman
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#4
הַחֹרֵ֖שׁ
Doth the plowman
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
#5
לִזְרֹ֑עַ
to sow
to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify
#6
יְפַתַּ֥ח
doth he open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#7
וִֽישַׂדֵּ֖ד
and break the clods
to abrade, i.e., harrow a field
#8
אַדְמָתֽוֹ׃
of his ground
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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