Isaiah 1:11

Authorized King James Version

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָמָּה

H4100

To what

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לִּ֤י

רֹב

H7230

purpose is the multitude

abundance (in any respect)

זִבְחֵיכֶם֙

H2077

of your sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

יֹאמַ֣ר

H559

unto me saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

שָׂבַ֛עְתִּי

H7646

I am full

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

עֹל֥וֹת

H5930

of the burnt offerings

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

אֵילִ֖ים

H352

of rams

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

#10

וְחֵ֣לֶב

H2459

and the fat

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

#11

מְרִיאִ֑ים

H4806

of fed beasts

stall-fed; often (as noun) a beeve

#12

וְדַ֨ם

H1818

not in the blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

#13

פָּרִ֧ים

H6499

of bullocks

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

#14

וּכְבָשִׂ֛ים

H3532

or of lambs

a ram (just old enough to butt)

#15

וְעַתּוּדִ֖ים

H6260

or of he goats

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

#16

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#17

חָפָֽצְתִּי׃

H2654

and I delight

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. 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 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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