Isaiah 7:21

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a young cow, and two sheep;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that 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
#3
הַה֑וּא
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
#4
יְחַיֶּה
shall nourish
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#5
אִ֛ישׁ
that a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#6
עֶגְלַ֥ת
cow
a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)
#7
בָּקָ֖ר
a young
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#8
וּשְׁתֵּי
and two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
צֹֽאן׃
sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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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