Isaiah 40:23

Authorized King James Version

That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן
That bringeth
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
רוֹזְנִ֖ים
the princes
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
#3
לְאָ֑יִן
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#4
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
the judges
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#5
אֶ֖רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
כַּתֹּ֥הוּ
as vanity
a desolation (of surface), i.e., desert; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain
#7
עָשָֽׂה׃
to nothing he maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 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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