Isaiah 8:4

Authorized King James Version

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֗י

H3588

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

בְּטֶ֙רֶם֙

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יֵדַ֣ע

H3045

shall have knowledge

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

הַנַּ֔עַר

H5288

For before the child

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

קְרֹ֖א

H7121

to cry

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אָבִ֣י

My father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאִמִּ֑י

H517

and my mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יִשָּׂ֣א׀

H5375

shall be taken away

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

חֵ֣יל

H2428

the riches

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#11

דַּמֶּ֗שֶׂק

H1834

of Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

#12

וְאֵת֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

שְׁלַ֣ל

H7998

and the spoil

booty

#14

שֹׁמְר֔וֹן

H8111

of Samaria

shomeron, a place in palestine

#15

לִפְנֵ֖י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#16

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

#17

אַשּֽׁוּר׃

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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