Isaiah 38:12

Authorized King James Version

Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דּוֹרִ֗י
Mine age
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#2
נִסַּ֧ע
is departed
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
#3
וְנִגְלָ֛ה
and is removed
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#4
מִנִּ֖י
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
כְּאֹ֣הֶל
tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#6
רֹעִ֑י
from me as a shepherd's
pastoral; as noun, a shepherd
#7
קִפַּ֨דְתִּי
I have cut off
to contract, i.e., roll together
#8
כָאֹרֵ֤ג
like a weaver
to plait or weave
#9
חַיַּי֙
my life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#10
מִדַּלָּ֣ה
with pining sickness
properly, something dangling, i.e., a loose thread or hair; figuratively, indigent
#11
יְבַצְּעֵ֔נִי
he will cut me off
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
#12
מִיּ֥וֹם
from 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
#13
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#14
לַ֖יְלָה
even to night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#15
תַּשְׁלִימֵֽנִי׃
wilt thou make an end
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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