Isaiah 34:13

Authorized King James Version

And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָלְתָ֤ה
shall come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
אַרְמְנֹתֶ֙יהָ֙
in her palaces
a citadel (from its height)
#3
סִירִ֔ים
And thorns
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
#4
קִמּ֥וֹשׂ
nettles
a prickly plant
#5
וָח֖וֹחַ
and brambles
a thorn; by analogy, a ring for the nose
#6
בְּמִבְצָרֶ֑יהָ
in the fortresses
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
#7
וְהָיְתָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
נְוֵ֣ה
thereof and it shall be an habitation
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
#9
תַנִּ֔ים
of dragons
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#10
חָצִ֖יר
and a court
a court or abode
#11
לִבְנ֥וֹת
for owls
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#12
יַעֲנָֽה׃
owl

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

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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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