Isaiah 3:5

Authorized King James Version

And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנִגַּ֣שׂ
shall be oppressed
to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass, tyrannize
#2
הָעָ֔ם
And the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#5
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
בְּרֵעֵ֑הוּ
by his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#7
יִרְהֲב֗וּ
shall behave himself proudly
to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently
#8
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
the child
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#9
בַּזָּקֵ֔ן
against the ancient
old
#10
וְהַנִּקְלֶ֖ה
and the base
to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)
#11
בַּנִּכְבָּֽד׃
against the honourable
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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