Isaiah 30:27

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#2
שֵׁם
Behold the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#3
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
בָּ֣א
cometh
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#5
מִמֶּרְחָ֔ק
from far
remoteness, i.e., (concretely) a distant place; often (adverbially) from afar
#6
בֹּעֵ֣ר
burning
to be(-come) brutish
#7
אַפּ֔וֹ
with his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#8
וְכֹ֖בֶד
thereof is heavy
weight, multitude, vehemence
#9
מַשָּׂאָ֑ה
and the burden
a conflagration (from the rising of smoke)
#10
שְׂפָתָיו֙
his lips
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#11
מָ֣לְאוּ
are full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#12
זַ֔עַם
of indignation
strictly froth at the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) fury (especially of god's displeasure with sin)
#13
וּלְשׁוֹנ֖וֹ
and his tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#14
כְּאֵ֥שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#15
אֹכָֽלֶת׃
as a devouring
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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