Isaiah 1:17

Authorized King James Version

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִמְד֥וּ
Learn
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#2
הֵיטֵ֛ב
to do well
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#3
דִּרְשׁ֥וּ
seek
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#4
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#5
אַשְּׁר֣וּ
relieve
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
#6
חָמ֑וֹץ
the oppressed
properly, violent; by implication, a robber
#7
שִׁפְט֣וּ
judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
יָת֔וֹם
the fatherless
a bereaved person
#9
רִ֖יבוּ
plead
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
#10
אַלְמָנָֽה׃
for the widow
a widow; also a desolate place

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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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