Isaiah 40:15

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֤ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
גּוֹיִם֙
Behold the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#3
כְּמַ֣ר
are as a drop
a drop
#4
מִדְּלִ֔י
of a bucket
a pail or jar (for drawing water)
#5
וּכְשַׁ֥חַק
as the small dust
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
#6
מֹאזְנַ֖יִם
of the balance
(only in the dual) a pair of scales
#7
נֶחְשָׁ֑בוּ
and are counted
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#8
הֵ֥ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#9
אִיִּ֖ים
the isles
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
#10
כַּדַּ֥ק
as a very little thing
crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin
#11
יִטּֽוֹל׃
behold he taketh up
to lift; by implication, to impose

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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