Isaiah 54:11

Authorized King James Version

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲנִיָּ֥ה
O thou afflicted
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#2
סֹעֲרָ֖ה
tossed with tempest
to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
נֻחָ֑מָה
and not comforted
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
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#6
אָנֹכִ֜י
i
#7
מַרְבִּ֤יץ
behold I will lay
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#8
בַּפּוּךְ֙
with fair colours
dye (specifically, stibium for the eyes)
#9
אֲבָנַ֔יִךְ
H68
thy stones
a stone
#10
וִיסַדְתִּ֖יךְ
and lay thy foundations
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
#11
בַּסַּפִּירִֽים׃
with sapphires
a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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