Isaiah 33:11

Authorized King James Version

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, as fire, shall devour you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תַּהֲר֥וּ
Ye shall conceive
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
#2
חֲשַׁ֖שׁ
chaff
dry grass
#3
תֵּ֣לְדוּ
ye shall bring forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
#4
קַ֑שׁ
stubble
straw (as dry)
#5
רוּחֲכֶ֕ם
your breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#6
אֵ֖שׁ
as fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#7
תֹּאכַלְכֶֽם׃
shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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