Isaiah 56:10

Authorized King James Version

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צֹפָ֞ו
His watchmen
properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
#2
עִוְרִ֤ים
are blind
blind (literally or figuratively)
#3
כֻּלָּם֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יָדָ֔עוּ
they are all ignorant
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#6
כֻּלָּם֙
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
כְּלָבִ֣ים
dogs
a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute
#8
אִלְּמִ֔ים
they are all dumb
speechless
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יוּכְל֖וּ
they cannot
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
לִנְבֹּ֑חַ
bark
to bark (as a dog)
#12
הֹזִים֙
sleeping
to dream
#13
שֹֽׁכְבִ֔ים
lying down
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#14
אֹהֲבֵ֖י
loving
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#15
לָנֽוּם׃
to slumber
to slumber (from drowsiness)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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