Isaiah 34:10

Authorized King James Version

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לַ֤יְלָה
night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#2
וְיוֹמָם֙
nor day
daily
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
תִכְבֶּ֔ה
It shall not be quenched
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
#5
לְעוֹלָ֖ם
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#6
יַעֲלֶ֣ה
thereof shall go up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
עֲשָׁנָ֑הּ
the smoke
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
#8
לָדוֹר֙
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#9
לָדוֹר֙
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#10
תֶּחֱרָ֔ב
it shall lie waste
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#11
נְצָחִ֔ים
and ever
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
#12
נְצָחִ֔ים
and ever
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
#13
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
עֹבֵ֖ר
none shall pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#15
בָּֽהּ׃
H0

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

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

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