Isaiah 30:14

Authorized King James Version

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּ֠שְׁבָרָהּ
And he shall break
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#2
כְּשֵׁ֨בֶר
it as the breaking
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#3
נֵ֧בֶל
' vessel
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
#4
יוֹצְרִ֛ים
of the potters
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#5
כָּת֖וּת
that is broken in pieces
to bruise or violently strike
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יַחְמֹ֑ל
he shall not spare
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#8
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
יִמָּצֵ֤א
so that there shall not be found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#10
בִמְכִתָּתוֹ֙
in the bursting
a fracture
#11
חֶ֔רֶשׂ
of it a sherd
a piece of pottery
#12
לַחְתּ֥וֹת
to take
to lay hold of; especially to pick up fire
#13
אֵשׁ֙
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#14
מִיָּק֔וּד
from the hearth
to burn
#15
וְלַחְשֹׂ֥ף
or to take
to strip off, i.e., generally to make naked (for exertion or in disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid)
#16
מַ֖יִם
water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#17
מִגֶּֽבֶא׃
withal out of the pit
a reservoir; by analogy, a marsh

Analysis

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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