Isaiah 37:27

Authorized King James Version

Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיֹֽשְׁבֵיהֶן֙
Therefore their inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
קִצְרֵי
were of small
short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)
#3
יָ֔ד
power
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#4
חַ֖תּוּ
they were dismayed
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
#5
וָבֹ֑שׁוּ
and confounded
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#6
הָי֞וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
עֵ֤שֶׂב
they were as the grass
grass (or any tender shoot)
#8
שָׂדֶה֙
of the field
a field (as flat)
#9
וִ֣ירַק
and as the green
properly, green; concretely, a vegetable
#10
דֶּ֔שֶׁא
herb
a sprout; by analogy, grass
#11
חֲצִ֣יר
as the grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#12
גַּגּ֔וֹת
on the housetops
a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
#13
וּשְׁדֵמָ֖ה
and as corn blasted
a cultivated field
#14
לִפְנֵ֥י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
קָמָֽה׃
it be grown up
something that rises, i.e., a stalk of grain

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People