Isaiah 5:30

Authorized King James Version

And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיִנְהֹ֥ם
they shall roar
to growl
#2
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
בַּיּ֥וֹם
And in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
הַה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
כְּנַהֲמַת
against them like the roaring
snarling
#6
יָ֑ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#7
וְנִבַּ֤ט
and if one look
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#8
לָאָ֙רֶץ֙
unto the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#10
חֹ֔שֶׁךְ
behold darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#11
צַ֣ר
and sorrow
a pebble (as in h6864)
#12
וָא֔וֹר
and the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#13
חָשַׁ֖ךְ
is darkened
to be dark (as withholding light); transitively, to darken
#14
בַּעֲרִיפֶֽיהָ׃
in the heavens
the sky (as drooping at the horizon)

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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