Isaiah 31:1

Authorized King James Version

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Word-by-Word Analysis

ה֣וֹי

H1945

Woe

oh!

הַיֹּרְדִ֤ים

H3381

to them that go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

to Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְעֶזְרָ֔ה

H5833

for help

aid

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סוּסִ֖ים

H5483

on horses

a horse (as leaping)

יִשָּׁעֵ֑נוּ

H8172

and stay

to support one's self

וַיִּבְטְח֨וּ

H982

and trust

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

רֶ֜כֶב

H7393

in chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

#11

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#12

רָ֗ב

H7227

because they are many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#13

וְעַ֤ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

פָּֽרָשִׁים֙

H6571

and in horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

עָצְמ֣וּ

H6105

strong

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

#17

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

because they are very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#18

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#19

שָׁעוּ֙

H8159

but they look

to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

קְד֣וֹשׁ

H6918

not unto the Holy One

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#23

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#25

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#26

דָרָֽשׁוּ׃

H1875

neither seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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