Isaiah 30:28

Authorized King James Version

And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרוּח֞וֹ
And his breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
כְּנַ֤חַל
stream
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#3
שׁוֹטֵף֙
as an overflowing
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
#4
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#5
צַוָּ֣אר
of the neck
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
#6
יֶֽחֱצֶ֔ה
shall reach to the midst
to cut or split in two; to halve
#7
לַהֲנָפָ֥ה
to sift
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
#8
גוֹיִ֖ם
the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#9
בְּנָ֣פַת
with the sieve
a height
#10
שָׁ֑וְא
of vanity
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#11
וְרֶ֣סֶן
and there shall be a bridle
a halter (as restraining); by implication, the jaw
#12
מַתְעֶ֔ה
causing them to err
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#13
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לְחָיֵ֥י
in the jaws
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
#15
עַמִּֽים׃
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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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