Isaiah 33:14

Authorized King James Version

The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פָּחֲד֤וּ
are afraid
to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general
#2
בְצִיּוֹן֙
in Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#3
חַטָּאִ֔ים
The sinners
a criminal, or one accounted guilty
#4
אָחֲזָ֥ה
hath surprised
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#5
רְעָדָ֖ה
fearfulness
a shudder
#6
חֲנֵפִ֑ים
the hypocrites
soiled (i.e., with sin), impious
#7
מִ֣י׀
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#8
יָג֥וּר
Who among us shall dwell
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#9
לָ֗נוּ
H0
#10
אֵ֚שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#11
אוֹכֵלָ֔ה
with the devouring
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
מִי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#13
יָג֥וּר
Who among us shall dwell
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
#14
לָ֖נוּ
H0
#15
מוֹקְדֵ֥י
burnings
a fire or fuel; abstractly, a conflagration
#16
עוֹלָֽם׃
with everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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