Isaiah 7:20

Authorized King James Version

In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In the same day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#2
הַה֡וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
יְגַלַּ֣ח
shave
properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste
#4
אֲדֹנָי֩
shall the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
בְּתַ֨עַר
with a razor
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
#6
הַשְּׂכִירָ֜ה
that is hired
a hiring
#7
בְּעֶבְרֵ֤י
namely by them beyond
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#8
נָהָר֙
the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#9
בְּמֶ֣לֶךְ
by the king
a king
#10
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
הָרֹ֖אשׁ
the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#13
וְשַׂ֣עַר
and the hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#14
הָרַגְלָ֑יִם
of the feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#15
וְגַ֥ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
הַזָּקָ֖ן
the beard
the beard (as indicating age)
#18
תִּסְפֶּֽה׃
and it shall also consume
properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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