Isaiah 31:5

Authorized King James Version

As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּצִפֳּרִ֣ים
As birds
a little bird (as hopping)
#2
עָפ֔וֹת
flying
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
#3
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#4
גָּנ֥וֹן
defend
to hedge about, i.e., (generally) protect
#5
יְהוָ֥ה
so will the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#9
גָּנ֥וֹן
defend
to hedge about, i.e., (generally) protect
#10
וְהִצִּ֖יל
also he will deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#11
פָּסֹ֥חַ
it and passing over
to hop, i.e., (figuratively) skip over (or spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp, to dance
#12
וְהִמְלִֽיט׃
he will preserve
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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