Isaiah 9:18

Authorized King James Version

For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
בָעֲרָ֤ה
burneth
to be(-come) brutish
#3
כָאֵשׁ֙
as the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#4
רִשְׁעָ֔ה
For wickedness
wrong (especially moral)
#5
שָׁמִ֥יר
the briers
a thorn; also (from its keenness for scratching) a gem, probably the diamond
#6
וָשַׁ֖יִת
and thorns
scrub or trash, i.e., wild growth of weeds or briers (as if put on the field)
#7
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
it shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#8
וַתִּצַּת֙
and shall kindle
to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate
#9
בְּסִֽבְכֵ֣י
in the thickets
a copse
#10
הַיַּ֔עַר
of the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#11
וַיִּֽתְאַבְּכ֖וּ
H55
and they shall mount up
probably to coil upward
#12
גֵּא֥וּת
like the lifting up
the same as h1346
#13
עָשָֽׁן׃
of smoke
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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