Isaiah 64:2

Authorized King James Version

As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּקְדֹ֧חַ
burneth
to inflame
#2
אֵ֔שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#3
הֲמָסִ֗ים
As when the melting
a dry twig or brushwood
#4
מַ֚יִם
causeth the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#5
תִּבְעֶה
to boil
to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask
#6
אֵ֔שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#7
לְהוֹדִ֥יעַ
known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
שִׁמְךָ֖
to make thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
לְצָרֶ֑יךָ
to thine adversaries
a pebble (as in h6864)
#10
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
at thy presence
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
גּוֹיִ֥ם
that the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#12
יִרְגָּֽזוּ׃
may tremble
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People