Isaiah 38:14

Authorized King James Version

Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּס֤וּס
Like a crane
a horse (as leaping)
#2
עָגוּר֙
or a swallow
probably the swallow
#3
כֵּ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#4
אֲצַפְצֵ֔ף
so did I chatter
to coo or chirp (as a bird)
#5
אֶהְגֶּ֖ה
I did mourn
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder
#6
כַּיּוֹנָ֑ה
as a dove
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
#7
דַּלּ֤וּ
fail
to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed
#8
עֵינַי֙
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
לַמָּר֔וֹם
with looking upward
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#10
אֲדֹנָ֖י
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#11
עָֽשְׁקָה
I am oppressed
anguish
#12
לִּ֥י
H0
#13
עָרְבֵֽנִי׃
undertake
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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