Isaiah 48:21

Authorized King James Version

And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
צָמְא֗וּ
And they thirsted
to thirst (literally or figuratively)
#3
בָּחֳרָבוֹת֙
them through the deserts
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
#4
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔ם
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
מָֽיִם׃
also and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
צ֔וּר
out of the rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#7
הִזִּ֣יל
to flow
to drip, or shed by trickling
#8
לָ֑מוֹ
H0
#9
וַיִּ֨בְקַע
for them he clave
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
#10
צ֔וּר
out of the rock
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
#11
וַיָּזֻ֖בוּ
gushed out
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
#12
מָֽיִם׃
also and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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