Isaiah 5:12

Authorized King James Version

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָיָ֨ה

H1961

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

כִנּ֜וֹר

H3658

And the harp

a harp

וָנֶ֗בֶל

H5035

and the viol

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

תֹּ֧ף

H8596

the tabret

a tambourine

וְחָלִ֛יל

H2485

and pipe

a flute (as perforated)

וָיַ֖יִן

H3196

and wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מִשְׁתֵּיהֶ֑ם

H4960

are in their feasts

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פֹּ֤עַל

H6467

not the work

an act or work (concretely)

#10

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#12

יַבִּ֔יטוּ

H5027

but they regard

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

#13

וּמַעֲשֵׂ֥ה

H4639

the operation

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

#14

יָדָ֖יו

H3027

of his hands

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

#15

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#16

רָאֽוּ׃

H7200

neither consider

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 divine sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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