Isaiah 56:1

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֚ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֣ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
שִׁמְר֥וּ
Keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
ye judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
וַעֲשׂ֣וּ
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
וְצִדְקָתִ֖י
and my righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
קְרוֹבָ֤ה
is near
near (in place, kindred or time)
#10
יְשֽׁוּעָתִי֙
for my salvation
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#11
לָב֔וֹא
to come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
וְצִדְקָתִ֖י
and my righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#13
לְהִגָּלֽוֹת׃
to be revealed
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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