Isaiah 44:13

Authorized King James Version

The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חָרַ֣שׁ
The carpenter
a fabricator or any material
#2
עֵצִים֮
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
נָ֣טָה
stretcheth out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#4
קָו֒
his rule
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#5
יְתָאֳרֵ֑הוּ
and he marketh it out
to delineate; reflexive to extend
#6
בַשֶּׂ֔רֶד
with a line
a (carpenter's) scribing-awl (for pricking or scratching measurements)
#7
וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙
and maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
בַּמַּקְצֻע֔וֹת
it with planes
a scraper, i.e., a carving chisel
#9
וּבַמְּחוּגָ֖ה
with the compass
an instrument for marking a circle, i.e., compasses
#10
יְתָאֳרֵ֑הוּ
and he marketh it out
to delineate; reflexive to extend
#11
וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙
and maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
כְּתַבְנִ֣ית
it after the figure
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
#13
אִ֔ישׁ
of a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#14
כְּתִפְאֶ֥רֶת
according to the beauty
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#15
אָדָ֖ם
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#16
לָשֶׁ֥בֶת
that it may remain
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
בָּֽיִת׃
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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