Isaiah 3:8

Authorized King James Version

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כָשְׁלָה֙
is ruined
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
#3
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
For Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#4
וִיהוּדָ֖ה
and Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
נָפָ֑ל
is fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#6
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
לְשׁוֹנָ֤ם
because their tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#8
וּמַֽעַלְלֵיהֶם֙
and their doings
an act (good or bad)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
יְהוָ֔ה
are against the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#11
לַמְר֖וֹת
to provoke
to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
#12
עֵנֵ֥י
the eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#13
כְבוֹדֽוֹ׃
of his glory
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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