Isaiah 22:21

Authorized King James Version

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִלְבַּשְׁתִּ֣יו

H3847

And I will clothe

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

כֻּתָּנְתֶּ֗ךָ

H3801

him with thy robe

a shirt

וְאַבְנֵֽטְךָ֙

H73

him with thy girdle

a belt

אֲחַזְּקֶ֔נּוּ

H2388

and strengthen

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וּמֶֽמְשֶׁלְתְּךָ֖

H4475

thy government

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler

אֶתֵּ֣ן

H5414

and I will commit

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָד֑וֹ

H3027

into his hand

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

וְהָיָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאָ֛ב

and he shall be a father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

לְיוֹשֵׁ֥ב

H3427

to the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#11

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#12

וּלְבֵ֥ית

H1004

and to the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?

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