Isaiah 5:2

Authorized King James Version

And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְעַזְּקֵ֣הוּ
And he fenced
to grub over
#2
וַֽיְסַקְּלֵ֗הוּ
it and gathered out the stones
properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
#3
וַיִּטָּעֵ֙הוּ֙
thereof and planted
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
#4
שֹׂרֵ֔ק
it with the choicest vine
a vine stock (properly, one yielding purple grapes, the richest variety)
#5
וַיִּ֤בֶן
and built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#6
מִגְדָּל֙
a tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#7
בְּתוֹכ֔וֹ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#8
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
יֶ֖קֶב
a winepress
a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)
#10
חָצֵ֣ב
of it and also made
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#11
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#12
וַיְקַ֛ו
therein and he looked
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#13
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and it brought forth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
עֲנָבִ֖ים
grapes
a grape
#15
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and it brought forth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
בְּאֻשִֽׁים׃
wild grapes
poison-berries

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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