Isaiah 5:9

Authorized King James Version

In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּאָזְנָ֖י

H241

In mine ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

said the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֑וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֞א

H3808

Of a truth

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בָּתִּ֤ים

H1004

houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

רַבִּים֙

H7227

many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לְשַׁמָּ֣ה

H8047

shall be desolate

ruin; by implication, consternation

יִֽהְי֔וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#10

גְּדֹלִ֥ים

H1419

even great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#11

וְטוֹבִ֖ים

H2896

and fair

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#12

מֵאֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#13

יוֹשֵֽׁב׃

H3427

without inhabitant

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of truth connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about truth, 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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding truth in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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