Isaiah 51:8

Authorized King James Version

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כַבֶּ֙גֶד֙
like a garment
a covering, i.e., clothing
#3
יֹאכְלֵ֣ם
shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#4
עָ֔שׁ
For the moth
a moth
#5
וְכַצֶּ֖מֶר
them like wool
wool
#6
יֹאכְלֵ֣ם
shall eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#7
סָ֑ס
and the worm
a moth (from the agility of the fly)
#8
וְצִדְקָתִי֙
but my righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#9
לְעוֹלָ֣ם
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
#10
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
וִישׁוּעָתִ֖י
and my salvation
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#12
דּוֹרִֽים׃
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
#13
דּוֹרִֽים׃
from generation
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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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