Isaiah 36:6

Authorized King James Version

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#2
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
Lo thou trustest
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
מִשְׁעֶנֶת֩
in the staff
support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick
#5
הַקָּנֶ֨ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#6
הָרָצ֤וּץ
of this broken
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#7
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#10
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יִסָּמֵ֥ךְ
lean
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
#12
אִישׁ֙
whereon if a man
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)
#13
עָלָ֔יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
וּבָ֥א
it will go
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
בְכַפּ֖וֹ
into his hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#16
וּנְקָבָ֑הּ
and pierce
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
#17
כֵּ֚ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#18
פַּרְעֹ֣ה
it so is Pharaoh
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#19
מֶֽלֶךְ
king
a king
#20
מִצְרַ֔יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#21
לְכָֽל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
הַבֹּטְחִ֖ים
Lo thou trustest
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
#23
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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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