Isaiah 50:6

Authorized King James Version

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גֵּוִי֙
my back
the back; by analogy, the middle
#2
נָתַ֣תִּי
I gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
לְמַכִּ֔ים
to the smiters
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#4
וּלְחָיַ֖י
and my cheeks
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
#5
לְמֹֽרְטִ֑ים
to them that plucked off
to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen
#6
פָּנַי֙
not my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
הִסְתַּ֔רְתִּי
the hair I hid
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#9
מִכְּלִמּ֖וֹת
from shame
disgrace
#10
וָרֹֽק׃
and spitting
spittle

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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