Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
Original Language Analysis
מִכַּף
From the sole
H3709
מִכַּף
From the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
1 of 18
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
רֶ֤גֶל
of the foot
H7272
רֶ֤גֶל
of the foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
2 of 18
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
רֹאשׁ֙
even unto the head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֙
even unto the head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
מְתֹ֔ם
there is no soundness
H4974
מְתֹ֔ם
there is no soundness
Strong's:
H4974
Word #:
7 of 18
wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely
וְחַבּוּרָ֖ה
and bruises
H2250
וְחַבּוּרָ֖ה
and bruises
Strong's:
H2250
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)
וּמַכָּ֣ה
sores
H4347
וּמַכָּ֣ה
sores
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
10 of 18
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
טְרִיָּ֑ה
and putrifying
H2961
טְרִיָּ֑ה
and putrifying
Strong's:
H2961
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, dripping; hence, fresh (i.e., recently made such)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חֻבָּ֔שׁוּ
neither bound up
H2280
חֻבָּ֔שׁוּ
neither bound up
Strong's:
H2280
Word #:
15 of 18
to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Jeremiah 33:6Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.Matthew 9:12But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.Psalms 77:2In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.Job 5:18For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.Luke 10:34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern medicine emphasized binding wounds and applying soothing oil. The absence of these treatments pictures a people who have abandoned even basic spiritual health practices.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you addressing spiritual wounds promptly, or allowing them to fester?
- What does complete reliance on God's healing look like in your current circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The complete body survey from sole to head emphasizes total corruption with no sound part remaining. The three-fold description of wounds (fresh), bruises (swollen), and putrefying sores (infected and untreated) portrays progressively worsening spiritual condition. The lack of medical treatment indicates both the severity and the neglect of their moral state.