Isaiah 64:11

Authorized King James Version

Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֵּ֧ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

קָדְשֵׁ֣נוּ

H6944

Our holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְתִפְאַרְתֵּ֗נוּ

H8597

and our beautiful

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִֽלְל֙וּךָ֙

H1984

praised

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

אֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ

where our fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הָיָ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִשְׂרֵ֣פַת

H8316

thee is burned up

cremation

אֵ֑שׁ

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#10

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

מַחֲמַדֵּ֖ינוּ

H4261

and all our pleasant things

delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire

#12

הָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

לְחָרְבָּֽה׃

H2723

are laid waste

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

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

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 64 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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