Isaiah 34:17

Authorized King James Version

And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
הִפִּ֤יל
And he hath cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
לָהֶן֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
גּוֹרָ֔ל
the lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#5
וְיָד֛וֹ
for them and his hand
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
#6
חִלְּקַ֥תָּה
hath divided
to be smooth (figuratively)
#7
לָהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#8
בַּקָּ֑ו
it unto them by line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#9
עַד
it for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
עוֹלָם֙
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#11
יִֽירָשׁ֔וּהָ
they 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
#12
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#13
וָד֖וֹר
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#14
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shall they dwell
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#15
בָֽהּ׃
H0

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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