Isaiah 64:3

Authorized King James Version

When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּעֲשׂוֹתְךָ֥
When thou didst
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
נוֹרָא֖וֹת
terrible things
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
נְקַוֶּ֑ה
which we looked
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#5
יָרַ֕דְתָּ
not for thou camest down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#6
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
#7
הָרִ֥ים
the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#8
נָזֹֽלּוּ׃
flowed down
figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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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