Obadiah 1:10

Authorized King James Version

For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵחֲמַ֛ס
For thy violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#2
אָחִ֥יךָ
against thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#3
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#4
תְּכַסְּךָ֣
shall cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#5
בוּשָׁ֑ה
shame
shame
#6
וְנִכְרַ֖תָּ
thee and thou shalt be cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#7
לְעוֹלָֽם׃
for ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Obadiah, 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 establishing foundational concepts crucial to Obadiah's theological argument.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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