Isaiah 40:16

Authorized King James Version

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּלְבָנ֕וֹן
And Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
#2
אֵ֥ין
is not
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#3
דֵּ֖י
sufficient
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
#4
בָּעֵ֑ר
to burn
to be(-come) brutish
#5
וְחַיָּת֔וֹ
nor the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#6
אֵ֥ין
is not
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#7
דֵּ֖י
sufficient
enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases
#8
עוֹלָֽה׃
for a burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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