Isaiah 37:2

Authorized King James Version

And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח
And he sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֶלְיָקִ֨ים
Eliakim
eljakim, the name of four israelites
#4
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
הַבַּ֜יִת
who was over the household
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
שֶׁבְנָ֣א
and Shebna
shebna or shebnah, an israelite
#9
הַסּוֹפֵ֗ר
the scribe
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#10
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
זִקְנֵ֣י
and the elders
old
#12
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#13
מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים
covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#14
בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים
with sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#15
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
יְשַֽׁעְיָ֥הוּ
unto Isaiah
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
#17
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
אָמ֖וֹץ
of Amoz
amots, an israelite
#19
הַנָּבִֽיא׃
the prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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