Isaiah 26:2

Authorized King James Version

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
פִּתְח֖וּ
Open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
שְׁעָרִ֑ים
ye the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
וְיָבֹ֥א
may enter in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
גוֹי
nation
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#5
צַדִּ֖יק
that the righteous
just
#6
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
which keepeth
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
אֱמֻנִֽים׃
the truth
established, i.e., (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness

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 truth 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 truth. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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