Isaiah 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רַחֲצוּ֙
Wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#2
הִזַּכּ֔וּ
you make you clean
to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent
#3
הָסִ֛ירוּ
put away
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#4
רֹ֥עַ
the evil
badness (as marring), physically or morally
#5
מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם
of your doings
an act (good or bad)
#6
מִנֶּ֣גֶד
from before
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#7
עֵינָ֑י
mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
חִדְל֖וּ
cease
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#9
הָרֵֽעַ׃
to do evil
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Isaiah's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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