Isaiah 56:2

Authorized King James Version

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַשְׁרֵ֤י

H835

Blessed

happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!

אֱנוֹשׁ֙

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

from doing

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

וּבֶן

H1121

this and the son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֖ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יַחֲזִ֣יק

H2388

that layeth hold

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בָּ֑הּ

וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר

H8104

it and keepeth

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#10

שַׁבָּת֙

H7676

the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#11

מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ

H2490

from polluting

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#12

וְשֹׁמֵ֥ר

H8104

it and keepeth

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#13

יָד֖וֹ

H3027

his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#14

מֵעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

from doing

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

רָֽע׃

H7451

any evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 56 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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