Isaiah 5:16

Authorized King James Version

But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּגְבַּ֛הּ
shall be exalted
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
#2
יְהוָ֥ה
But the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#4
בַּמִּשְׁפָּ֑ט
in judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#5
וְהָאֵל֙
and God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#6
הַקָּד֔וֹשׁ
that is holy
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#7
נִקְדָּ֖שׁ
shall be sanctified
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
#8
בִּצְדָקָֽה׃
in righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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