Isaiah 43:20

Authorized King James Version

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תְּכַבְּדֵ֙נִי֙
shall honour
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
#2
חַיַּ֣ת
The beast
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#4
תַּנִּ֖ים
me the dragons
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal
#5
וּבְנ֣וֹת
and the owls
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
יַֽעֲנָ֑ה
owl
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
נָתַ֨תִּי
because I give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
בַמִּדְבָּ֜ר
in the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#10
מַ֗יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
נְהָרוֹת֙
and rivers
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#12
בִּֽישִׁימֹ֔ן
in the desert
a desolation
#13
לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת
to give drink
to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to
#14
עַמִּ֥י
to my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#15
בְחִירִֽי׃
my chosen
select

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People