Isaiah 8:21

Authorized King James Version

And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעָ֥בַר

H5674

And they shall pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בָּ֖הּ

נִקְשֶׁ֣ה

H7185

through it hardly bestead

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

וְרָעֵ֑ב

H7457

and hungry

hungry (more or less intensely)

וְהָיָ֨ה

H1961

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

כִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִרְעַ֜ב

H7456

and it shall come to pass that when they shall be hungry

to hunger

וְהִתְקַצַּ֗ף

H7107

they shall fret

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

וְקִלֵּ֧ל

H7043

themselves and curse

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

#10

בְּמַלְכּ֛וֹ

H4428

their king

a king

#11

וּבֵאלֹהָ֖יו

H430

and their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#12

וּפָנָ֥ה

H6437

and look

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#13

לְמָֽעְלָה׃

H4605

upward

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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