Isaiah 51:7

Authorized King James Version

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁמְע֤וּ
Hearken
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֵלַי֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
יֹ֣דְעֵי
unto me ye that know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#4
צֶ֔דֶק
righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#5
עַ֖ם
the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
תּוֹרָתִ֣י
is my law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#7
בְלִבָּ֑ם
in whose heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#8
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תִּֽירְאוּ֙
fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#10
חֶרְפַּ֣ת
ye not the reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#11
אֱנ֔וֹשׁ
of men
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#12
וּמִגִּדֻּפֹתָ֖ם
of their revilings
vilification
#13
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#14
תֵּחָֽתּוּ׃
neither be ye afraid
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 declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 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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