Isaiah 5:7

Authorized King James Version

For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כֶ֜רֶם
For the vineyard
a garden or vineyard
#3
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#5
בֵּ֣ית
is the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and the 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)
#8
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#9
נְטַ֖ע
plant
a plant; collectively, a plantation; abstractly, a planting
#10
שַׁעֲשׁוּעָ֑יו
his pleasant
enjoyment
#11
וַיְקַ֤ו
and he looked
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#12
לְמִשְׁפָּט֙
for judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#13
וְהִנֵּ֣ה
lo!
#14
מִשְׂפָּ֔ח
but behold oppression
slaughter
#15
לִצְדָקָ֖ה
for righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#16
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#17
צְעָקָֽה׃
but behold a cry
a shriek

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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