Isaiah 3:15

Authorized King James Version

What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַלָּכֶם֙
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
תְּדַכְּא֣וּ
What mean ye that ye beat
to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)
#3
עַמִּ֔י
my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
וּפְנֵ֥י
the faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
עֲנִיִּ֖ים
of the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#6
תִּטְחָ֑נוּ
and grind
to grind meal; hence, to be a concubine (that being their employment)
#7
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#8
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#9
יְהוִ֖ה
GOD
god
#10
צְבָאֽוֹת׃
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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