Isaiah 41:15

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#2
תָּשִֽׂים׃
Behold I will make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
לְמוֹרַג֙
threshing
a threshing sledge
#4
חָר֣וּץ
sharp
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a threshing-sledge (having sharp tee
#5
חָדָ֔שׁ
thee a new
new
#6
בַּ֖עַל
instrument having
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
#7
פִּֽיפִיּ֑וֹת
teeth
an edge or tooth
#8
תָּד֤וּשׁ
thou shalt thresh
to trample or thresh
#9
הָרִים֙
the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
וְתָדֹ֔ק
and beat them small
to crush (or intransitively) crumble
#11
וּגְבָע֖וֹת
the hills
a hillock
#12
כַּמֹּ֥ץ
as chaff
chaff (as pressed out, i.e., winnowed or (rather) threshed loose)
#13
תָּשִֽׂים׃
Behold I will make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People