Isaiah 24:16

Authorized King James Version

From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִכְּנַ֨ף
From the uttermost part
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#2
הָאָ֜רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
זְמִרֹ֤ת
songs
a song to be accompanied with instrumental music
#4
שָׁמַ֙עְנוּ֙
have we heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#5
צְבִ֣י
even glory
a gazelle (as beautiful)
#6
לַצַּדִּ֔יק
to the righteous
just
#7
וָאֹמַ֛ר
But I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
רָֽזִי
My leanness
thinness
#9
לִ֥י
H0
#10
רָֽזִי
My leanness
thinness
#11
לִ֖י
H0
#12
א֣וֹי
woe
lamentation; also interjectionally oh!
#13
לִ֑י
H0
#14
בָּגָֽדוּ׃
have dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#15
בָּגָֽדוּ׃
have dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#16
וּבֶ֥גֶד
have dealt very
a covering, i.e., clothing
#17
בָּגָֽדוּ׃
have dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#18
בָּגָֽדוּ׃
have dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of glory 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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