Isaiah 51:12

Authorized King James Version

I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָנֹכִ֧י
i
#2
אָנֹכִ֛י
i
#3
ה֖וּא
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
#4
מְנַחֶמְכֶ֑ם
I even I am he that comforteth
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#5
מִֽי
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
אַ֤תְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
וַתִּֽירְאִי֙
you who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#8
מֵאֱנ֣וֹשׁ
of a man
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#9
יָמ֔וּת
that shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#10
וּמִבֶּן
and of the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
אָדָ֖ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#12
חָצִ֥יר
as grass
grass; also a leek (collectively)
#13
יִנָּתֵֽן׃
which shall be made
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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