Isaiah 9:12

Authorized King James Version

The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲרָ֣ם
The Syrians
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#2
מִקֶּ֗דֶם
before
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
#3
וּפְלִשְׁתִּים֙
and the Philistines
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
#4
מֵֽאָח֔וֹר
behind
the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west
#5
וַיֹּאכְל֥וּ
and they shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#8
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
פֶּ֑ה
with open mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#10
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
זֹאת֙
this (often used adverb)
#12
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
שָׁ֣ב
is not turned away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#14
אַפּ֔וֹ
For all this his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#15
וְע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#16
יָד֥וֹ
but his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#17
נְטוּיָֽה׃
is stretched out still
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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