Isaiah 3:7

Authorized King James Version

In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be an healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִשָּׂא֩

H5375

shall he swear

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בַיּ֨וֹם

H3117

In that day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֤וּא׀

H1931

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

לֵאמֹר֙

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

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

חֹבֵ֔שׁ

H2280

I will not be an healer

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

וּבְבֵיתִ֕י

H1004

for in my house

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

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#10

לֶ֖חֶם

H3899

is neither bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#11

וְאֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#12

שִׂמְלָ֑ה

H8071

nor clothing

a dress, especially a mantle

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

תְשִׂימֻ֖נִי

H7760

make

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#15

קְצִ֥ין

H7101

me not a ruler

a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader

#16

עָֽם׃

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

Related Resources

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