Isaiah 7:23

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם

H3117

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

הַה֔וּא

H1931

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

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מָק֗וֹם

H4725

that every place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָּׁ֛ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

בְּאֶ֣לֶף

H505

at a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#11

גֶּ֖פֶן

H1612

vines

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

#12

בְּאֶ֣לֶף

H505

at a thousand

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

#13

כָּ֑סֶף

H3701

silverlings

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#14

לַשָּׁמִ֥יר

H8068

it shall even be for briers

a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond

#15

וְלַשַּׁ֖יִת

H7898

and thorns

scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)

#16

יִֽהְיֶֽה׃

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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