Isaiah 11:4

Authorized King James Version

But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָׁפַ֤ט

H8199

shall he judge

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בְּצֶ֙דֶק֙

H6664

But with righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

דַּלִּ֔ים

H1800

the poor

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

וְהוֹכִ֥יחַ

H3198

and reprove

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

בְּמִישׁ֖וֹר

H4334

with equity

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

לְעַנְוֵי

H6035

for the meek

depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)

אֶ֙רֶץ֙

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהִֽכָּה

H5221

and he shall smite

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶ֙רֶץ֙

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

בְּשֵׁ֣בֶט

H7626

with the rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#11

פִּ֔יו

H6310

of his mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#12

וּבְר֥וּחַ

H7307

and with the breath

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#13

שְׂפָתָ֖יו

H8193

of his lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

#14

יָמִ֥ית

H4191

shall he slay

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#15

רָשָֽׁע׃

H7563

the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah