Isaiah 33:21

Authorized King James Version

But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

שָׁ֞ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אַדִּ֖יר

H117

But there the glorious

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

יְהוָה֙

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָ֔נוּ

מְקוֹם

H4725

will be unto us a place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

נְהָרִ֥ים

H5104

rivers

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

יְאֹרִ֖ים

H2975

and streams

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#10

רַחֲבֵ֣י

H7342

of broad

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

#11

יָדָ֑יִם

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#12

בַּל

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

#13

תֵּ֤לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#14

בּוֹ֙

#15

אֳנִי

H590

galley

-a ship or (collectively) a fleet

#16

שַׁ֔יִט

H7885

with oars

an oar; a scourge (figuratively)

#17

וְצִ֥י

H6716

ship

a ship (as a fixture)

#18

אַדִּ֖יר

H117

But there the glorious

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

#19

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

יַעַבְרֶֽנּוּ׃

H5674

pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

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 sovereignty 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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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