Isaiah 28:27

Authorized King James Version

For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.

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
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
בֶֽחָרוּץ֙
with a threshing instrument
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
#4
י֣וּדַשׁ
are not threshed
to trample or thresh
#5
קֶ֖צַח
For the fitches
fennel-flower (from its pungency)
#6
וְאוֹפַ֣ן
wheel
a wheel
#7
עֲגָלָ֔ה
neither is a cart
something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
וְכַמֹּ֥ן
and the cummin
'cummin' (from its use as a condiment)
#10
יוּסָּ֑ב
turned about
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#11
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
בַמַּטֶּ֛ה
with a staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#13
יֵחָ֥בֶט
are beaten out
to knock out or off
#14
קֶ֖צַח
For the fitches
fennel-flower (from its pungency)
#15
וְכַמֹּ֥ן
and the cummin
'cummin' (from its use as a condiment)
#16
בַּשָּֽׁבֶט׃
with a rod
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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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