Isaiah 51:5

Authorized King James Version

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קָר֤וֹב
is near
near (in place, kindred or time)
#2
צִדְקִי֙
My righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#3
יָצָ֣א
is gone forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#4
יִשְׁעִ֔י
my salvation
liberty, deliverance, prosperity
#5
זְרֹעִ֖י
and mine arms
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#6
עַמִּ֣ים
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
יִשְׁפֹּ֑טוּ
shall judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#8
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
אִיִּ֣ים
the isles
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
#10
יְקַוּ֔וּ
shall wait
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
#11
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
זְרֹעִ֖י
and mine arms
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#13
יְיַחֵלֽוּן׃
shall they trust
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of righteousness 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 soteria in Greek or yeshua in Hebrew, indicating deliverance and wholeness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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