Isaiah 65:14

Authorized King James Version

Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֧ה
lo!
#2
עֲבָדַ֛י
Behold my servants
a servant
#3
יָרֹ֖נּוּ
shall sing
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
#4
מִטּ֣וּב
for joy
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
#5
לֵ֔ב
of heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
וְאַתֶּ֤ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#7
תִּצְעֲקוּ֙
but ye shall cry
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
#8
מִכְּאֵ֣ב
for sorrow
suffering (physical or mental), adversity
#9
לֵ֔ב
of heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#10
וּמִשֵּׁ֥בֶר
for vexation
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#11
ר֖וּחַ
of spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#12
תְּיֵלִֽילוּ׃
and shall howl
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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