Isaiah 40:7

Authorized King James Version

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יָבֵ֤שׁ
withereth
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#2
חָצִ֖יר
The grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#3
נָ֣בֵֽל
fadeth
to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint
#4
צִ֔יץ
the flower
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
#5
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
ר֥וּחַ
because the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#7
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
נָ֣שְׁבָה
bloweth
to blow; by implication, to disperse
#9
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#10
אָכֵ֥ן
upon it surely
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
#11
חָצִ֖יר
The grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#12
הָעָֽם׃
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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