Isaiah 33:19

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
עַ֣ם
a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#3
נוֹעָ֖ז
a fierce
to be bold or obstinate
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
תִרְאֶ֑ה
Thou shalt not see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
עַ֣ם
a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
עִמְקֵ֤י
of a deeper
deep (literally or figuratively)
#8
שָׂפָה֙
speech
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#9
מִשְּׁמ֔וֹעַ
than thou canst perceive
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#10
נִלְעַ֥ג
of a stammering
to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly
#11
לָשׁ֖וֹן
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,
#12
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
בִּינָֽה׃
that thou canst not understand
understanding

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 covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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