Isaiah 51:20

Authorized King James Version

Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the LORD, the rebuke of thy God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּנַ֜יִךְ
Thy sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
עֻלְּפ֥וּ
have fainted
to veil or cover; figuratively, to be languid
#3
שָׁכְב֛וּ
they lie
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#4
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ
at the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
חוּצ֖וֹת
of all the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#7
כְּת֣וֹא
as a wild bull
a species of antelope (probably from the white stripe on the cheek)
#8
מִכְמָ֑ר
in a net
a (hunter's) net (as dark from concealment)
#9
הַֽמְלֵאִ֥ים
they are full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#10
חֲמַת
of the fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
גַּעֲרַ֥ת
the rebuke
a chiding
#13
אֱלֹהָֽיִךְ׃
of thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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