Isaiah 61:4

Authorized King James Version

And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָנוּ֙
And they shall build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
חָרְב֣וֹת
wastes
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
#3
עוֹלָ֔ם
the old
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#4
שֹׁמְמ֖וֹת
desolations
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#5
רִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
the former
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#6
יְקוֹמֵ֑מוּ
they shall raise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#7
וְחִדְּשׁוּ֙
and they shall repair
to be new; causatively, to rebuild
#8
עָ֣רֵי
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
חֹ֔רֶב
the waste
drought or desolation
#10
שֹׁמְמ֖וֹת
desolations
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#11
וָדֽוֹר׃
generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#12
וָדֽוֹר׃
generations
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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