Isaiah 32:4

Authorized King James Version

The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְבַ֥ב
The heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#2
תְּמַהֵ֖ר
also of the rash
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#3
יָבִ֣ין
shall understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#4
לָדָ֑עַת
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
וּלְשׁ֣וֹן
and the tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#6
עִלְּגִ֔ים
of the stammerers
stuttering
#7
תְּמַהֵ֖ר
also of the rash
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
#8
לְדַבֵּ֥ר
to speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
צָחֽוֹת׃
plainly
dazzling, i.e., sunny, bright, (figuratively) evident

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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