Isaiah 42:3

Authorized King James Version

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קָנֶ֤ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#2
רָצוּץ֙
A bruised
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#3
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יִשְׁבּ֔וֹר
shall he not break
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#5
וּפִשְׁתָּ֥ה
flax
flax; by implication, a wick
#6
כֵהָ֖ה
and the smoking
feeble, obscure
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
יְכַבֶּ֑נָּה
shall he not quench
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
#9
לֶאֱמֶ֖ת
unto truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#10
יוֹצִ֥יא
he shall bring forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation 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 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 truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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