Isaiah 1:21

Authorized King James Version

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵיכָה֙
how? or how!; also where
#2
הָיְתָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
לְזוֹנָ֔ה
become an harlot
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (
#4
קִרְיָ֖ה
city
a city
#5
נֶאֱמָנָ֑ה
How is the faithful
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
#6
מְלֵאֲתִ֣י
it was full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#7
מִשְׁפָּ֗ט
of judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#8
צֶ֛דֶק
righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#9
יָלִ֥ין
lodged
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
#10
בָּ֖הּ
H0
#11
וְעַתָּ֥ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#12
מְרַצְּחִֽים׃
in it but now murderers
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Isaiah. The concept of faith reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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