Isaiah 38:21

Authorized King James Version

For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
had said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְשַׁעְיָ֔הוּ
For Isaiah
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
#3
יִשְׂא֖וּ
Let them take
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#4
דְּבֶ֣לֶת
a lump
a cake of pressed figs
#5
תְּאֵנִ֑ים
of figs
the fig (tree or fruit)
#6
וְיִמְרְח֥וּ
and lay it for a plaister
properly, to soften by rubbing or pressure; hence (medicinally) to apply as an emollient
#7
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
הַשְּׁחִ֖ין
upon the boil
inflammation, i.e., an ulcer
#9
וְיֶֽחִי׃
and he shall recover
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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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