Isaiah 63:15

Authorized King James Version

Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבֵּ֤ט
Look down
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#2
מִשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
from heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#3
וּרְאֵ֔ה
and behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
מִזְּבֻ֥ל
from the habitation
a residence
#5
קָדְשְׁךָ֖
of thy holiness
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#6
וְתִפְאַרְתֶּ֑ךָ
and of thy glory
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#7
אַיֵּ֤ה
where?
#8
קִנְאָֽתְךָ֙
where is thy zeal
jealousy or envy
#9
וּגְב֣וּרֹתֶ֔ךָ
and thy strength
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
#10
הֲמ֥וֹן
the sounding
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#11
מֵעֶ֛יךָ
of thy bowels
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
#12
וְֽרַחֲמֶ֖יךָ
and of thy mercies
compassion (in the plural)
#13
אֵלַ֥י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
הִתְאַפָּֽקוּ׃
toward me are they restrained
to contain, i.e., (reflexive) abstain

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of glory 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 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 glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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