Isaiah 30:33

Authorized King James Version

For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
עָר֤וּךְ
is ordained
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
#3
מֵֽאֶתְמוּל֙
of old
heretofore; definitely yesterday
#4
תָּפְתֶּ֔ה
For Tophet
tophteh, a place of cremation
#5
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#6
הִ֛וא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
לַמֶּ֥לֶךְ
yea for the king
a king
#8
הוּכָ֖ן
it is prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#9
הֶעְמִ֣יק
he hath made it deep
to be (causatively, make) deep (literally or figuratively)
#10
הִרְחִ֑ב
and large
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
#11
מְדֻרָתָ֗הּ
the pile
a pile of fuel
#12
אֵ֤שׁ
thereof is fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְעֵצִים֙
wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#14
הַרְבֵּ֔ה
and much
to increase (in whatever respect)
#15
נִשְׁמַ֤ת
the breath
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
#16
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
כְּנַ֣חַל
like a stream
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#18
גָּפְרִ֔ית
of brimstone
properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable)
#19
בֹּעֲרָ֖ה
doth kindle
to be(-come) brutish
#20
בָּֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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