Isaiah 36:16

Authorized King James Version

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁמְע֖וּ

H8085

Hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ

H2396

not to Hezekiah

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

כִּי֩

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כֹ֨ה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֜ר

H559

for thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

אַשּׁ֗וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#10

עֲשֽׂוּ

H6213

Make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

אִתִּ֤י

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#12

בְרָכָה֙

H1293

an agreement with me by a present

benediction; by implication prosperity

#13

וּצְא֣וּ

H3318

and come out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#14

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

וְאִכְל֤וּ

H398

to me and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#16

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

and every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

גַּפְנוֹ֙

H1612

of his vine

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

#18

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

and every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#19

תְּאֵנָת֔וֹ

H8384

of his fig tree

the fig (tree or fruit)

#20

וּשְׁת֖וּ

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#21

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

and every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#22

מֵי

H4325

the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#23

בוֹרֽוֹ׃

H953

of his own cistern

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 36 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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