Isaiah 30:3

Authorized King James Version

Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לָכֶ֛ם
H0
#3
מָע֥וֹז
Therefore shall the strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#4
פַּרְעֹ֖ה
of Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#5
לְבֹ֑שֶׁת
be your shame
shame (the feeling and the condition, as well as its cause); by implication (specifically) an idol
#6
וְהֶחָס֥וּת
and the trust
confidence
#7
בְּצֵל
in the shadow
shade, whether literal or figurative
#8
מִצְרַ֖יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#9
לִכְלִמָּֽה׃
your confusion
disgrace

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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