Isaiah 30:21

Authorized King James Version

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָזְנֶ֙יךָ֙
And thine ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#2
תִּשְׁמַ֣עְנָה
shall hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#3
דָבָ֔ר
a word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#4
מֵֽאַחֲרֶ֖יךָ
behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#5
לֵאמֹ֑ר
thee saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
זֶ֤ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#7
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
This is the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
לְכ֣וּ
walk ye in it
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
#9
ב֔וֹ
H0
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
תַאֲמִ֖ינוּ
when ye turn to the right hand
to take the right hand road
#12
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ׃
and when ye turn to the left
to use the left hand or pass in that direction

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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