Isaiah 20:2

Authorized King James Version

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּעֵ֣ת
At the same time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#2
הַהִ֗יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
דִּבֶּ֣ר
spake
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
יְהוָה֮
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
בְּיַ֣ד
by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
יְשַׁעְיָ֣הוּ
Isaiah
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
#7
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
אָמוֹץ֮
of Amoz
amots, an israelite
#9
לֵאמֹר֒
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
הָלֹ֖ךְ
walking
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
וּפִתַּחְתָּ֤
and loose
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#12
הַשַּׂק֙
the sackcloth
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
#13
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
מָתְנֶ֔יךָ
from off thy loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#15
וְנַעַלְךָ֥
thy shoe
properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)
#16
תַחֲלֹ֖ץ
and put off
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
#17
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
רַגְלֶ֑ךָ
from thy foot
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#19
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
And he did so
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#20
כֵּ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#21
הָלֹ֖ךְ
walking
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#22
עָר֥וֹם
naked
nude, either partially or totally
#23
וְיָחֵֽף׃
and barefoot
unsandalled

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 divine sovereignty 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

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 salvation 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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