Isaiah 38:15

Authorized King James Version

What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מָֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
אֲדַבֵּ֥ר
What shall I say
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#3
וְאָֽמַר
he hath both spoken
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לִ֖י
H0
#5
וְה֣וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
עָשָׂ֑ה
unto me and himself hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
אֶדַּדֶּ֥ה
it I shall go softly
to walk gently
#8
כָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
שְׁנוֹתַ֖י
all my years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מַ֥ר
in the bitterness
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#12
נַפְשִֽׁי׃
of my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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