Isaiah 29:14

Authorized King James Version

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הִנְנִ֥י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#3
יוֹסִ֛ף
Therefore behold I will proceed
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#4
הַפְלֵ֣א
even a marvellous work
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#5
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
הָֽעָם
among this people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
הַפְלֵ֣א
even a marvellous work
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
#9
וָפֶ֑לֶא
and a wonder
a miracle
#10
וְאָֽבְדָה֙
H6
men shall perish
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#11
חָכְמַ֣ת
for the wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#12
חֲכָמָ֔יו
of their wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#13
וּבִינַ֥ת
and the understanding
understanding
#14
נְבֹנָ֖יו
of their prudent
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#15
תִּסְתַּתָּֽר׃
men shall be hid
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of wisdom 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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