Isaiah 55:2

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָ֤מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִשְׁקְלוּ

H8254

Wherefore do ye spend

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

כֶ֙סֶף֙

H3701

money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

בְּל֣וֹא

H3808

not

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לֶ֔חֶם

H3899

for that which is not bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וִיגִיעֲכֶ֖ם

H3018

and your labour

toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)

בְּל֣וֹא

H3808

not

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לְשָׂבְעָ֑ה

H7654

for that which satisfieth

satiety

שָׁמ֤וֹעַ

H8085

diligently

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#10

שָׁמ֤וֹעַ

H8085

diligently

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#11

אֵלַי֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

וְאִכְלוּ

H398

unto me and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#13

ט֔וֹב

H2896

ye that which is good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#14

וְתִתְעַנַּ֥ג

H6026

delight

to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious

#15

בַּדֶּ֖שֶׁן

H1880

itself in fatness

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

#16

נַפְשְׁכֶֽם׃

H5315

and let your soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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