Isaiah 5:13

Authorized King James Version

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֛ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
גָּלָ֥ה
are gone into captivity
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#3
עַמִּ֖י
Therefore my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
מִבְּלִי
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#5
דָ֑עַת
because they have no knowledge
knowledge
#6
וּכְבוֹדוֹ֙
and their honourable
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
#7
מְתֵ֣י
men
properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural)
#8
רָעָ֔ב
are famished
hunger (more or less extensive)
#9
וַהֲמוֹנ֖וֹ
and their multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#10
צִחֵ֥ה
dried up
parched
#11
צָמָֽא׃
with thirst
thirst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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