Isaiah 52:15

Authorized King James Version

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֵּ֤ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
יַזֶּה֙
So shall he sprinkle
to spirt, i.e., besprinkle (especially in expiation)
#3
גּוֹיִ֣ם
nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
רַבִּ֔ים
many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
עָלָ֛יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
יִקְפְּצ֥וּ
shall shut
to draw together, i.e., close; by implication, to leap (by contracting the limbs); specifically, to die (from gathering up the feet)
#7
מְלָכִ֖ים
the kings
a king
#8
פִּיהֶ֑ם
their mouths
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#9
כִּ֠י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
סֻפַּ֤ר
at him for that which had not been told
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#13
לָהֶם֙
H0
#14
רָא֔וּ
them shall they see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#16
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
שָׁמְע֖וּ
and that which they had not heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#18
הִתְבּוֹנָֽנוּ׃
shall they consider
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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