Isaiah 42:21

Authorized King James Version

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
חָפֵ֖ץ
is well pleased
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#3
לְמַ֣עַן
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#4
צִדְק֑וֹ
for his righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#5
יַגְדִּ֥יל
sake he will magnify
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#6
תּוֹרָ֖ה
the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#7
וְיַאְדִּֽיר׃
and make it honourable
to expand, i.e., be great or (figuratively) magnificent

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 righteousness 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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