Isaiah 30:16

Authorized King James Version

But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתֹּ֨אמְר֥וּ
But ye said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#3
כִ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
ס֥וּס
upon horses
a horse (as leaping)
#6
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#9
תְּנוּס֑וּן
No for we will flee
to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)
#10
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
קַ֣ל
upon the swift
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
#12
נִרְכָּ֔ב
and We will ride
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
יִקַּ֥לּוּ
you be swift
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
#16
רֹדְפֵיכֶֽם׃
therefore shall they that pursue
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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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