Isaiah 47:1

Authorized King James Version

Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְדִ֣י׀
Come down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#2
שְׁבִי
and sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
עָפָ֗ר
in the dust
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
#5
בְּתוּלַת֙
O virgin
a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state
#6
בַּת
O daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#7
בָּבֶ֔ל
of Babylon
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
#8
שְׁבִי
and sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#9
לָאָ֥רֶץ
on the ground
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
כִּסֵּ֖א
there is no throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#12
בַּת
O daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#13
כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
of the Chaldeans
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
#14
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
תוֹסִ֙יפִי֙
for thou shalt no more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#17
יִקְרְאוּ
be called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#18
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#19
רַכָּ֖ה
tender
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
#20
וַעֲנֻגָּֽה׃
and delicate
luxurious

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God 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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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

Related Resources

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

People