Isaiah 52:3
For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹה֙
H3541
כֹה֙
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חִנָּ֖ם
yourselves for nought
H2600
חִנָּ֖ם
yourselves for nought
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
5 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
נִמְכַּרְתֶּ֑ם
Ye have sold
H4376
נִמְכַּרְתֶּ֑ם
Ye have sold
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
6 of 9
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 45:13I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.Psalms 44:12Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.1 Peter 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;Isaiah 50:1Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.Jeremiah 15:13Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.
Historical Context
Israel's sin brought Babylonian captivity with no benefit - they 'sold themselves for nought.' Their return came by God's grace (Cyrus's decree), not payment. This typifies salvation: sin profits nothing (Romans 6:21), redemption costs everything (to Christ) yet comes free (to recipients).
Questions for Reflection
- What supposed 'profit' did your sin promise that proved to be 'nought' when consequences came?
- How does understanding redemption's costlessness (to you) and costliness (to Christ) deepen your gratitude?
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money' establishes that sin's slavery profited nothing and salvation costs the sinner nothing. The irony is that worthless bondage (sin gave no benefit) requires priceless redemption (Christ's blood). The 'without money' anticipates 55:1's free gospel - no human payment suffices for salvation, only grace.