Isaiah 37:3

Authorized King James Version

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֣ר
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֗יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#4
אָמַ֣ר
And they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ
Hezekiah
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
#6
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#7
צָרָ֧ה
of trouble
transitively, a female rival
#8
וְתוֹכֵחָ֛ה
and of rebuke
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
#9
וּנְאָצָ֖ה
and of blasphemy
scorn
#10
הַיּ֣וֹם
This day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
הַזֶּ֑ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#12
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
בָ֤אוּ
are come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
בָנִים֙
for the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#15
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#16
מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר
to the birth
the orifice of the womb (from which the fetus breaks forth)
#17
וְכֹ֥חַ
and there is not strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#18
אַ֖יִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#19
לְלֵדָֽה׃
to bring forth
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation 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 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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