Isaiah 28:17

Authorized King James Version

Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י
also will I lay
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#2
מִשְׁפָּט֙
Judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#3
לְקָ֔ו
to the line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#4
וּצְדָקָ֖ה
and righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#5
לְמִשְׁקָ֑לֶת
to the plummet
a weight, i.e., a plummet (with line attached)
#6
וְיָעָ֤ה
shall sweep away
to brush aside
#7
בָרָד֙
and the hail
hail
#8
מַחְסֵ֣ה
the refuge
a shelter (literally or figuratively)
#9
כָזָ֔ב
of lies
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#10
וְסֵ֥תֶר
the hiding place
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
#11
מַ֖יִם
and the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
יִשְׁטֹֽפוּ׃
shall overflow
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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

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