Isaiah 5:6

Authorized King James Version

And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲשִׁיתֵ֣הוּ
And I will lay
to place (in a very wide application)
#2
בָתָ֗ה
it waste
desolation
#3
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִזָּמֵר֙
it shall not be pruned
to trim (a vine)
#5
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יֵעָדֵ֔ר
nor digged
to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)
#7
וְעָלָ֥ה
but there shall come up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#8
שָׁמִ֖יר
briers
a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond
#9
וָשָׁ֑יִת
and thorns
scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)
#10
וְעַ֤ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
הֶעָבִים֙
the clouds
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
#12
אֲצַוֶּ֔ה
I will also command
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#13
מֵהַמְטִ֥יר
that they rain
to rain
#14
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
מָטָֽר׃
no rain
rain

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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