Isaiah 8:14

Authorized King James Version

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֖ה

H1961

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

לְמִקְדָּ֑שׁ

H4720

And he shall be for a sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

וּלְאֶ֣בֶן

H68

but for a stone

a stone

נֶ֠גֶף

H5063

of stumbling

a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)

וּלְצ֨וּר

H6697

and for a rock

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

מִכְשׁ֜וֹל

H4383

of offence

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

לִשְׁנֵ֨י

H8147

to both

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בָתֵּ֤י

H1004

the houses

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

לְפַ֣ח

H6341

for a gin

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

#11

וּלְמוֹקֵ֔שׁ

H4170

and for a snare

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

#12

לְיוֹשֵׁ֖ב

H3427

to the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#13

יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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