Isaiah 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
מֶ֥ה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#3
תֻכּ֛וּ
Why should ye be stricken
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
ע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#5
תּוֹסִ֣יפוּ
more and more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#6
סָרָ֑ה
any more ye will revolt
apostasy, crime; figuratively, remission
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
רֹ֣אשׁ
the whole head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
לָחֳלִ֔י
is sick
malady, anxiety, calamity
#10
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
לֵבָ֖ב
and the whole heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#12
דַּוָּֽי׃
faint
sick; figuratively, troubled

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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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