Isaiah 8:1

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָה֙
Moreover the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
קַח
unto me Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
לְךָ֖
H0
#6
גִּלָּי֣וֹן
roll
a tablet for writing (as bare); by analogy, a mirror (as a plate)
#7
גָּד֑וֹל
thee a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#8
וּכְתֹ֤ב
and write
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#9
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
בְּחֶ֣רֶט
pen
a chisel or graver; also a style for writing
#11
אֱנ֔וֹשׁ
in it with a man's
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#12
לְמַהֵ֥ר
H0
#13
שָׁלָ֖ל
H0
#14
חָ֥שׁ
H0
#15
בַּֽז׃
concerning Mahershalalhashbaz
maher-shalal-chash-baz; the name of the son of isaiah

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 sovereignty 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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