Isaiah 41:18

Authorized King James Version

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֶפְתַּ֤ח
I will open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שְׁפָיִים֙
in high places
bareness; concretely, a bare hill or plain
#4
נְהָר֔וֹת
rivers
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#5
וּבְת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
בְּקָע֖וֹת
of the valleys
properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains
#7
מַעְיָנ֑וֹת
and fountains
a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction)
#8
אָשִׂ֤ים
I will make
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#9
מִדְבָּר֙
the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
לַאֲגַם
H98
a pool
a marsh; hence a rush (as growing in swamps); hence a stockade of reeds
#11
מָֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
וְאֶ֥רֶץ
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
צִיָּ֖ה
and the dry
aridity; concretely, a desert
#14
לְמוֹצָ֥אֵי
springs
a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex
#15
מָֽיִם׃
of water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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