Isaiah 5:14

Authorized King James Version

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הִרְחִ֤יבָה
hath enlarged
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
#3
שְּׁאוֹל֙
Therefore hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#4
נַפְשָׁ֔הּ
herself
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
וּפָעֲרָ֥ה
and opened
to yawn, i.e., open wide (literally or figuratively)
#6
פִ֖יהָ
her mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
לִבְלִי
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#8
חֹ֑ק
without measure
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#9
וְיָרַ֨ד
shall descend
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#10
הֲדָרָ֧הּ
and their glory
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
#11
וַהֲמוֹנָ֛הּ
and their multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#12
וּשְׁאוֹנָ֖הּ
and their pomp
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
#13
וְעָלֵ֥ז
and he that rejoiceth
exultant
#14
בָּֽהּ׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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