Isaiah 38:20

Authorized King James Version

The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
לְהוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי
was ready to save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#3
וּנְגִנוֹתַ֧י
me therefore we will sing my songs
properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
#4
נְנַגֵּ֛ן
to the stringed instruments
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
יְמֵ֥י
all the days
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
חַיֵּ֖ינוּ
of our life
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בֵּ֥ית
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
יְהוָֽה׃
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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

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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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