Isaiah 51:9

Authorized King James Version

Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ע֚וּרִי
Awake
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#2
ע֚וּרִי
Awake
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#3
לִבְשִׁי
put on
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#4
עֹז֙
strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#5
זְר֣וֹעַ
O arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#6
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
ע֚וּרִי
Awake
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#8
כִּ֣ימֵי
days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
קֶ֔דֶם
as in the ancient
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#10
דֹּר֖וֹת
in the generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#11
עוֹלָמִ֑ים
of old
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#12
הֲל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אַתְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
הִ֛יא
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
#15
הַמַּחְצֶ֥בֶת
Art thou not it that hath cut
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#16
רַ֖הַב
Rahab
rahab (i.e., boaster), an epithet of egypt
#17
מְחוֹלֶ֥לֶת
and wounded
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#18
תַּנִּֽין׃
the dragon
a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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