Isaiah 7:25

Authorized King James Version

And on all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכֹ֣ל

H3605

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

הֶהָרִ֗ים

H2022

And on all hills

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

בַּמַּעְדֵּר֙

H4576

with the mattock

a (weeding) hoe

יֵעָ֣דֵר֔וּן

H5737

that shall be digged

to arrange, as a battle, a vineyard (to hoe); hence, to muster and so to miss (or find wanting)

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָב֣וֹא

H935

there shall not come thither

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֔מָּה

H8033

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

יִרְאַ֖ת

H3374

the fear

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

#10

שָׁמִ֣יר

H8068

of briers

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

#11

וָשָׁ֑יִת

H7898

and thorns

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

#12

וְהָיָה֙

H1961

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

#13

לְמִשְׁלַ֣ח

H4916

but it shall be for the sending forth

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

#14

שׁ֔וֹר

H7794

of oxen

a bullock (as a traveller)

#15

וּלְמִרְמַ֖ס

H4823

and for the treading

abasement (the act or the thing)

#16

שֶֽׂה׃

H7716

of lesser cattle

a member of a flock, i.e., a sheep or goat

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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