Isaiah 44:15

Authorized King James Version

Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לְאָדָם֙
Then shall it be for a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
לְבָעֵ֔ר
to burn
to be(-come) brutish
#4
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
for he will take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
מֵהֶם֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
וַיָּ֔חָם
thereof and warm
to be hot (literally or figuratively)
#7
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#8
יַשִּׂ֖יק
himself yea he kindleth
to catch fire
#9
וְאָ֣פָה
it and baketh
to cook, especially to bake
#10
לָ֑חֶם
bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#11
אַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#12
יִפְעַל
yea he maketh
to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
#13
אֵל֙
a god
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#14
וַיִּשְׁתָּ֔חוּ
and worshippeth
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#15
עָשָׂ֥הוּ
it he maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
פֶ֖סֶל
it a graven image
an idol
#17
וַיִּסְגָּד
and falleth down
to prostrate oneself (in homage)
#18
לָֽמוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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