Isaiah 44:12

Authorized King James Version

The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חָרַ֤שׁ
a fabricator or any material
#2
בַּרְזֶל֙
The smith
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#3
מַֽעֲצָ֔ד
with the tongs
an axe
#4
וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙
and worketh
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#5
בַּפֶּחָ֔ם
in the coals
a coal, whether charred or live
#6
וּבַמַּקָּב֖וֹת
it with hammers
properly, a perforatrix, i.e., a hammer (as piercing)
#7
יִצְּרֵ֑הוּ
and fashioneth
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
#8
וַיִּפְעָלֵ֙הוּ֙
and worketh
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#9
בִּזְר֣וֹעַ
of his arms
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#10
כֹּ֔חַ
and his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#11
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#12
רָעֵב֙
to hunger
#13
וְאֵ֣ין
faileth
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#14
כֹּ֔חַ
and his strength
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
#15
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
שָׁ֥תָה
he drinketh
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#17
מַ֖יִם
no water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#18
וַיִּיעָֽף׃
and is faint
to tire (as if from wearisome flight)

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 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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