Isaiah 47:14

Authorized King James Version

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#2
הָי֤וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
כְקַשׁ֙
Behold they shall be as stubble
straw (as dry)
#4
אֵ֣שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#5
שְׂרָפָ֔תַם
shall burn
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#6
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יַצִּ֥ילוּ
them they shall not deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
נַפְשָׁ֖ם
themselves
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#10
מִיַּ֣ד
from the power
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
לֶֽהָבָ֑ה
of the flame
flame
#12
אֵין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
גַּחֶ֣לֶת
there shall not be a coal
an ember
#14
לַחְמָ֔ם
to warm
to be hot (literally or figuratively)
#15
א֖וּר
at nor fire
flame; hence (in the plural) the east (as being the region of light)
#16
לָשֶׁ֥בֶת
to sit
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#17
נֶגְדּֽוֹ׃
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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