Isaiah 34:11

Authorized King James Version

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וִירֵשׁ֙וּהָ֙
shall possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#2
קָאַ֣ת
But the cormorant
probably the pelican (from vomiting)
#3
וְקִפּ֔וֹד
and the bittern
a species of bird, perhaps the bittern (from its contracted form)
#4
וְיַנְשׁ֥וֹף
it the owl
an unclean (acquatic) bird; probably the heron (perhaps from its blowing cry, or because the nightheron is meant)
#5
וְעֹרֵ֖ב
also and the raven
a raven (from its dusky hue)
#6
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shall dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#7
בָ֑הּ
H0
#8
וְנָטָ֥ה
in it and he shall stretch out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
עָלֶ֛יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
קַֽו
upon it the line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#11
תֹ֖הוּ
of confusion
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
#12
וְאַבְנֵי
H68
and the stones
a stone
#13
בֹֽהוּ׃
of emptiness
a vacuity, i.e., (superficially) an undistinguishable ruin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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