Isaiah 43:24

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
קָנִ֨יתָ
Thou hast bought
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
#3
לִּ֤י
H0
#4
בַכֶּ֙סֶף֙
with money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#5
קָנֶ֔ה
me no sweet cane
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#6
וְחֵ֥לֶב
me with the fat
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
#7
זְבָחֶ֖יךָ
of thy sacrifices
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#8
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
הִרְוִיתָ֑נִי
neither hast thou filled
to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)
#10
אַ֗ךְ
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#11
הֶעֱבַדְתַּ֙נִי֙
but thou hast made me to serve
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
#12
בְּחַטֹּאותֶ֔יךָ
with thy sins
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#13
הוֹגַעְתַּ֖נִי
thou hast wearied
properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil
#14
בַּעֲוֺנֹתֶֽיךָ׃
me with thine iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People