Isaiah 8:18

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#2
אָנֹכִ֗י
i
#3
וְהַיְלָדִים֙
Behold I and the children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#4
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
נָֽתַן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
לִ֣י
H0
#7
יְהוָ֣ה
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
לְאֹת֥וֹת
me are for signs
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#9
וּלְמוֹפְתִ֖ים
and for wonders
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#10
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
מֵעִם֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
יְהוָ֣ה
from the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#14
הַשֹּׁכֵ֖ן
which dwelleth
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#15
בְּהַ֥ר
in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#16
צִיּֽוֹן׃
Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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