Isaiah 5:29

Authorized King James Version

Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁאָגָ֥ה
Their roaring
a rumbling or moan
#2
ל֖וֹ
H0
#3
כַּלָּבִ֑יא
shall be like a lion
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
#4
וִשְׁאַ֨ג
they shall roar
to rumble or moan
#5
כַּכְּפִירִ֤ים
like young lions
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
#6
וְיִנְהֹם֙
yea they shall roar
to growl
#7
וְיֹאחֵ֣ז
and lay hold
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
#8
טֶ֔רֶף
of the prey
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
#9
וְיַפְלִ֖יט
and shall carry it away safe
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
#10
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#11
מַצִּֽיל׃
and none shall deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

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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