Isaiah 36:8

Authorized King James Version

Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
הִתְעָ֣רֶב
Now therefore give pledges
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
#3
נָ֔א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#4
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#5
אֲדֹנִ֖י
I pray thee to my master
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#6
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
the king
a king
#7
אַשּׁ֑וּר
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
#8
לָ֥תֶת
and I will give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
לְךָ֙
H0
#10
אַלְפַּ֣יִם
thee two thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#11
סוּסִ֔ים
horses
a horse (as leaping)
#12
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
תּוּכַ֕ל
if thou be able
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#14
לָ֥תֶת
and I will give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
לְךָ֖
H0
#16
רֹכְבִ֥ים
riders
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#17
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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