Isaiah 29:10

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

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

נָסַ֨ךְ

H5258

hath poured out

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

עֲלֵיכֶ֤ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָה֙

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ר֣וּחַ

H7307

upon you the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

תַּרְדֵּמָ֔ה

H8639

of deep sleep

a lethargy or (by implication) trance

וַיְעַצֵּ֖ם

H6105

and hath closed

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵֽינֵיכֶ֑ם

H5869

your eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַנְּבִיאִ֛ים

H5030

the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#12

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

רָאשֵׁיכֶ֥ם

H7218

and your rulers

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#14

הַחֹזִ֖ים

H2374

the seers

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

#15

כִּסָּֽה׃

H3680

hath he covered

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 kingdom of God 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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah