Isaiah 51:19

Authorized King James Version

These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
These two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#2
הֵ֙נָּה֙
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#3
קֹֽרְאֹתַ֔יִךְ
things are come
to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner
#4
מִ֖י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#5
יָנ֣וּד
unto thee who shall be sorry
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
#6
לָ֑ךְ
H0
#7
הַשֹּׁ֧ד
for thee desolation
violence, ravage
#8
וְהַשֶּׁ֛בֶר
and destruction
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#9
וְהָרָעָ֥ב
and the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#10
וְהַחֶ֖רֶב
and the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#11
מִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#12
אֲנַחֲמֵֽךְ׃
by whom shall I comfort
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People