Isaiah 7:8

Authorized King James Version

For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#3
אֲרָם֙
of Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#4
דַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק
is Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#5
וְרֹ֥אשׁ
For the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
דַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק
is Damascus
damascus, a city of syria
#7
רְצִ֑ין
is Rezin
retsin, the name of a syrian and of an israelite
#8
וּבְע֗וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#9
שִׁשִּׁ֤ים
and within threescore
sixty
#10
וְחָמֵשׁ֙
and five
five
#11
שָׁנָ֔ה
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#12
יֵחַ֥ת
concretely, crushed; also afraid; abstractly, terror
#13
אֶפְרַ֖יִם
shall Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#14
מֵעָֽם׃
that it be not a people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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