Isaiah 5:3

Authorized King James Version

And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַתָּ֛ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#2
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
And now O inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#4
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#5
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#6
שִׁפְטוּ
judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#7
נָ֕א
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#8
בֵּינִ֖י
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#9
וּבֵ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#10
כַּרְמִֽי׃
I pray you betwixt me and my vineyard
a garden or vineyard

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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