Isaiah 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֗וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
מַגִּיעֵ֥י
unto them that join
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
#3
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#4
בְּבַ֔יִת
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
בְשָׂדֶ֖ה
field
a field (as flat)
#6
בְשָׂדֶ֖ה
field
a field (as flat)
#7
יַקְרִ֑יבוּ
that lay
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#8
עַ֚ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#9
אֶ֣פֶס
till there be no
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
#10
מָק֔וֹם
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
וְהֽוּשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם
that they may be placed
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#12
לְבַדְּכֶ֖ם
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#13
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
alone in the midst
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#14
הָאָֽרֶץ׃
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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