Isaiah 55:1

Authorized King James Version

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ה֤וֹי
Ho
oh!
#2
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
צָמֵא֙
every one that thirsteth
thirsty (literally or figuratively)
#4
לְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
לַמַּ֔יִם
ye to the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#6
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
אֵֽין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
ל֖וֹ
H0
#9
כֶ֛סֶף
and he that hath no money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#10
לְכ֤וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
שִׁבְר֗וּ
buy
to deal in grain
#12
וֶֽאֱכֹ֔לוּ
and eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
וּלְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
שִׁבְר֗וּ
buy
to deal in grain
#15
בְּלוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
כֶ֛סֶף
and he that hath no money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#17
וּבְל֥וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
מְחִ֖יר
and without price
price, payment, wages
#19
יַ֥יִן
wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#20
וְחָלָֽב׃
and milk
milk (as the richness of kine)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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