Isaiah 34:1

Authorized King James Version

Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

קִרְב֤וּ

H7126

Come near

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

גוֹיִם֙

H1471

ye nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

תִּשְׁמַ֤ע

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וּלְאֻמִּ֖ים

H3816

ye people

a community

הַקְשִׁ֑יבוּ

H7181

and hearken

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

תִּשְׁמַ֤ע

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

let the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ

H4393

and all that is therein

fulness (literally or figuratively)

תֵּבֵ֖ל

H8398

the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

#10

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

צֶאֱצָאֶֽיהָ׃

H6631

and all things that come forth

issue, i.e., produce, children

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Isaiah.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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