Isaiah 30:20

Authorized King James Version

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָתַ֨ן

H5414

give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֧ם

אֲדֹנָ֛י

H136

And though the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

לֶ֥חֶם

H3899

you the bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

צָ֖ר

H6862

of adversity

a pebble (as in h6864)

וּמַ֣יִם

H4325

and the water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לָ֑חַץ

H3906

of affliction

distress

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִכָּנֵ֥ף

H3670

be removed into a corner

properly, to project laterally, i.e., probably (reflexive) to withdraw

#10

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#11

מוֹרֶֽיךָ׃

H3384

thy teachers

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#12

וְהָי֥וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

עֵינֶ֖יךָ

H5869

any more but thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#14

רֹא֥וֹת

H7200

shall see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#15

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

מוֹרֶֽיךָ׃

H3384

thy teachers

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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