Isaiah 51:6

Authorized King James Version

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שְׂאוּ֩

H5375

Lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

שָׁמַ֜יִם

H8064

beneath for the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

עֵֽינֵיכֶ֜ם

H5869

your eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְֽהַבִּ֧יטוּ

H5027

and look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

and the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִתַּ֗חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁמַ֜יִם

H8064

beneath for the heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#10

כֶּעָשָׁ֤ן

H6227

like smoke

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

#11

נִמְלָ֙חוּ֙

H4414

shall vanish away

to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)

#12

וְהָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

and the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#13

כַּבֶּ֣גֶד

H899

like a garment

a covering, i.e., clothing

#14

תִּבְלֶ֔ה

H1086

shall wax old

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

#15

וְיֹשְׁבֶ֖יהָ

H3427

and they that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#16

כְּמוֹ

H3644

in like

as, thus, so

#17

כֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#18

יְמוּת֑וּן

H4191

therein shall die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#19

וִישֽׁוּעָתִי֙

H3444

but my salvation

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

#20

לְעוֹלָ֣ם

H5769

shall be for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#21

תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#22

וְצִדְקָתִ֖י

H6666

and my righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#23

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#24

תֵחָֽת׃

H2865

shall not be abolished

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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 righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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