Isaiah 9:20

Authorized King James Version

And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְזֹ֤ר
And he shall snatch
to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
יָמִין֙
on the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#4
וְרָעֵ֔ב
to hunger
#5
יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
and he shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
שְׂמֹ֖אול
on the left hand
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#8
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
שָׂבֵ֑עוּ
and they shall not be satisfied
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#10
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#11
בְּשַׂר
the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#12
זְרֹע֖וֹ
of his own arm
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#13
יֹאכֵֽלוּ׃
and he shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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