Isaiah 53:11

Authorized King James Version

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵעֲמַ֤ל
of the travail
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
#2
נַפְשׁוֹ֙
of his soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#3
יִרְאֶ֣ה
He shall see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
יִשְׂבָּ֔ע
and shall be satisfied
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
#5
בְּדַעְתּ֗וֹ
by his knowledge
knowledge
#6
יַצְדִּ֥יק
justify
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
#7
צַדִּ֛יק
shall my righteous
just
#8
עַבְדִּ֖י
servant
a servant
#9
לָֽרַבִּ֑ים
many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#10
וַעֲוֺנֹתָ֖ם
their iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#11
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
יִסְבֹּֽל׃
for he shall bear
to carry (literally or figuratively), or (reflexively) be burdensome; specifically, to be gravid

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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