Isaiah 47:3

Authorized King James Version

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תִּגָּל֙
shall be uncovered
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#2
עֶרְוָתֵ֔ךְ
Thy nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#3
גַּ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#4
תֵּרָאֶ֖ה
shall be seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#5
חֶרְפָּתֵ֑ךְ
yea thy shame
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#6
נָקָ֣ם
vengeance
revenge
#7
אֶקָּ֔ח
I will take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
אֶפְגַּ֖ע
and I will not meet
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
#10
אָדָֽם׃
thee as a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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