Isaiah 28:7

Authorized King James Version

But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֵ֙לֶּה֙
But they
these or those
#3
הַיַּ֗יִן
through wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#4
שָׁגוּ֙
also have erred
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#5
הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר
and through strong drink
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
#6
תָּעוּ֙
are out of the way
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#7
כֹּהֵ֣ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#8
וְנָבִיא֩
and the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#9
שָׁגוּ֙
also have erred
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#10
הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר
and through strong drink
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
#11
נִבְלְע֣וּ
they are swallowed up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#12
מִן
of
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
הַיַּ֗יִן
through wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#14
תָּעוּ֙
are out of the way
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#15
מִן
of
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#16
הַשֵּׁכָ֔ר
and through strong drink
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
#17
שָׁגוּ֙
also have erred
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
#18
בָּֽרֹאֶ֔ה
in vision
a seer (as often rendered); but also (abstractly) a vision
#19
פָּק֖וּ
they stumble
to waver
#20
פְּלִילִיָּֽה׃
in judgment
judicature

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 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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