Isaiah 55:3

Authorized King James Version

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַטּ֤וּ
Incline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#2
אָזְנְכֶם֙
your ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#3
וּלְכ֣וּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
שִׁמְע֖וּ
unto me hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#6
וּתְחִ֣י
shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#7
נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם
and 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
#8
וְאֶכְרְתָ֤ה
and I will make
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#9
לָכֶם֙
H0
#10
בְּרִ֣ית
covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#11
עוֹלָ֔ם
an everlasting
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
#12
חַֽסְדֵ֥י
mercies
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#13
דָוִ֖ד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#14
הַנֶּאֱמָנִֽים׃
with you even the sure
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 covenant 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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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