Isaiah 40:2

Authorized King James Version

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דַּבְּר֞וּ
Speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
לֵ֤ב
ye comfortably
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
to Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
וְקִרְא֣וּ
and cry
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֵלֶ֔יהָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
מָֽלְאָה֙
is accomplished
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#9
צְבָאָ֔הּ
unto her that her warfare
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#10
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
נִרְצָ֖ה
is pardoned
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#12
עֲוֹנָ֑הּ
that her iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#13
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
לָקְחָה֙
for she hath received
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#15
מִיַּ֣ד
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
#16
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD'S
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#17
כִּפְלַ֖יִם
double
a duplicate
#18
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
חַטֹּאתֶֽיהָ׃
for all her sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People