Isaiah 47:15

Authorized King James Version

Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֵּ֥ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הָיוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
לָ֖ךְ
H0
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יָגָ֑עַתְּ
Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured
properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil
#6
סֹחֲרַ֣יִךְ
even thy merchants
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
#7
מִנְּעוּרַ֗יִךְ
from thy youth
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
#8
אִ֤ישׁ
every one
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)
#9
לְעֶבְרוֹ֙
to his quarter
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#10
תָּע֔וּ
they shall wander
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#11
אֵ֖ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#12
מוֹשִׁיעֵֽךְ׃
none shall save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation 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 salvation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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