Isaiah 5:20

Authorized King James Version

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֣וֹי
Woe
oh!
#2
הָאֹמְרִ֥ים
unto them that call
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
רָ֑ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#4
וְלַטּ֣וֹב
and good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#5
וְלַטּ֣וֹב
and good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#6
רָ֑ע
evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
שָׂמִ֥ים
that put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#8
לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#9
וְא֣וֹר
and light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#10
וְא֣וֹר
and light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#11
לְחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#12
שָׂמִ֥ים
that put
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#13
לְמָֽר׃
bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
#14
וּמָת֥וֹק
and sweet
sweet
#15
וּמָת֥וֹק
and sweet
sweet
#16
לְמָֽר׃
bitter
bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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