Isaiah 30:24

Authorized King James Version

The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָאֲלָפִ֣ים
The oxen
a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow
#2
וְהָעֲיָרִ֗ים
likewise and the young asses
properly, a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt
#3
עֹֽבְדֵי֙
that ear
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#4
הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה
the ground
soil (from its general redness)
#5
בְּלִ֥יל
provender
mixed, i.e., (specifically) feed (for cattle)
#6
חָמִ֖יץ
clean
seasoned, i.e., salt provender
#7
יֹאכֵ֑לוּ
shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#8
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
זֹרֶ֥ה
which hath been winnowed
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#10
בָרַ֖חַת
with the shovel
a winnowing-fork (as blowing the chaff away)
#11
וּבַמִּזְרֶֽה׃
and with the fan
a winnowing shovel (as scattering the chaff)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People