Isaiah 49:19

Authorized King James Version

For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
חָרְבֹתַ֙יִךְ֙
For thy waste
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
#3
וְשֹׁ֣מְמֹתַ֔יִךְ
and thy desolate places
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#4
וְאֶ֖רֶץ
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
הֲרִסֻתֵ֑ךְ
of thy destruction
demolition
#6
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
עַתָּה֙
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#8
תֵּצְרִ֣י
shall even now be too narrow
to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress
#9
מִיּוֹשֵׁ֔ב
by reason of the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
וְרָחֲק֖וּ
shall be far away
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#11
מְבַלְּעָֽיִךְ׃
and they that swallowed thee up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

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 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

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