Isaiah 32:15

Authorized King James Version

Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַד

H5704

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

יֵ֨עָרֶ֥ה

H6168

be poured

to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish

עָלֵ֛ינוּ

H5921

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

ר֖וּחַ

H7307

Until the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

מִמָּר֑וֹם

H4791

upon us from on high

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

וְהָיָ֤ה

H1961

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

מִדְבָּר֙

H4057

and the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

וֲכַּרְמֶ֖ל

H3759

and the fruitful field

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

וֲכַּרְמֶ֖ל

H3759

and the fruitful field

a planted field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park); by implication, garden produce

#10

לַיַּ֥עַר

H3293

for a forest

a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

#11

יֵחָשֵֽׁב׃

H2803

be counted

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
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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