Obadiah 1:16

Authorized King James Version

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֗י

H3588

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

וְשָׁת֣וּ

H8354

For as ye have drunk

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

עַל

H5921

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

הַ֣ר

H2022

mountain

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

קָדְשִׁ֔י

H6944

upon my holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְשָׁת֣וּ

H8354

For as ye have drunk

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

כָֽל

H3605

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

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

so shall all the heathen

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

#10

תָּמִ֑יד

H8548

continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

#11

וְשָׁת֣וּ

H8354

For as ye have drunk

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#12

וְלָע֔וּ

H3886

and they shall swallow down

to gulp; figuratively, to be rash

#13

וְהָי֖וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

כְּל֥וֹא

H3808

and they shall be as though they had not

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

הָיֽוּ׃

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Obadiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?