Obadiah 1:15

Authorized King James Version

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

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

קָר֥וֹב

H7138

is near

near (in place, kindred or time)

יוֹם

H3117

For the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַגּוֹיִ֑ם

H1471

upon all the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵעָ֣שֶׂה

H6213

as thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

יֵעָ֣שֶׂה

H6213

as thou hast done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#11

לָּ֔ךְ

#12

גְּמֻלְךָ֖

H1576

unto thee thy reward

treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital

#13

יָשׁ֥וּב

H7725

shall return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#14

בְּרֹאשֶֽׁךָ׃

H7218

upon thine own head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Obadiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?