Isaiah 7:15

Authorized King James Version

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֶמְאָ֥ה
Butter
curdled milk or cheese
#2
וּדְבַ֖שׁ
and honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup
#3
יֹאכֵ֑ל
shall he eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
לְדַעְתּ֛וֹ
that he may know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#5
מָא֥וֹס
to refuse
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
#6
בָּרָ֖ע
the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
וּבָח֥וֹר
and choose
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#8
בַּטּֽוֹב׃
the good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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