Isaiah 36:11

Authorized King James Version

Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֶלְיָקִים֩
Eliakim
eljakim, the name of four israelites
#3
וְשֶׁבְנָ֨א
and Shebna
shebna or shebnah, an israelite
#4
וְיוֹאָ֜ח
and Joah
joach, the name of four israelites
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
רַבְשָׁקֵ֗ה
unto Rabshakeh
rabshakeh, a babylonian official
#7
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
נָ֤א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙
I pray thee unto thy servants
a servant
#11
אֲרָמִ֔ית
in the Syrian language
(only adverbial) in aramean
#12
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
שֹׁמְעִ֖ים
for we understand
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
אֲנָ֑חְנוּ
we
#15
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#16
תְּדַבֵּ֤ר
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#17
אֵלֵ֙ינוּ֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
יְהוּדִ֔ית
not to us in the Jews' language
the jewish (used adverbially) language
#19
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the ears
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#20
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#21
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#23
הַחוֹמָֽה׃
that are on the wall
a wall of protection

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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