Isaiah 1:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִכַּף

H3709

From the sole

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

H7272

of the foot

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

רֹאשׁ֙

H7218

even unto the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֵֽין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

בּ֣וֹ

מְתֹ֔ם

H4974

there is no soundness

wholesomeness; also (adverb) completely

פֶּ֥צַע

H6482

in it but wounds

a wound

וְחַבּוּרָ֖ה

H2250

and bruises

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e., a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

#10

וּמַכָּ֣ה

H4347

sores

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

#11

טְרִיָּ֑ה

H2961

and putrifying

properly, dripping; hence, fresh (i.e., recently made such)

#12

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

זֹ֙רוּ֙

H2115

they have not been closed

to press together, tighten

#14

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

חֻבָּ֔שׁוּ

H2280

neither bound up

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

#16

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

רֻכְּכָ֖ה

H7401

neither mollified

to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively

#18

בַּשָּֽׁמֶן׃

H8081

with ointment

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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