Isaiah 5:4

Authorized King James Version

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
עוֹד֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#4
לְכַרְמִ֔י
more to my vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#5
וְלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
בּ֑וֹ
H0
#8
מַדּ֧וּעַ
in it wherefore
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#9
קִוֵּ֛יתִי
when I looked
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#10
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
עֲנָבִ֖ים
grapes
a grape
#12
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
What could have been done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
בְּאֻשִֽׁים׃
wild grapes
poison-berries

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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

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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