Isaiah 32:14

Authorized King James Version

Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

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

אַרְמ֣וֹן

H759

Because the palaces

a citadel (from its height)

נֻטָּ֔שׁ

H5203

shall be forsaken

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

הֲמ֥וֹן

H1995

the multitude

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

עִ֖יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עֻזָּ֑ב

H5800

shall be left

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

עֹ֣פֶל

H6076

the forts

a tumor

וָבַ֜חַן

H975

and towers

a watch-tower

הָיָ֨ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

בְעַ֤ד

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#11

מְעָרוֹת֙

H4631

shall be for dens

a cavern (as dark)

#12

עַד

H5704

for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#13

עוֹלָ֔ם

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#14

מְשׂ֥וֹשׂ

H4885

a joy

delight, concretely (the cause or object) or abstractly (the feeling)

#15

פְּרָאִ֖ים

H6501

of wild asses

the onager

#16

מִרְעֵ֥ה

H4829

a pasture

pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals

#17

עֲדָרִֽים׃

H5739

of flocks

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 32 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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