Isaiah 56:3

Authorized King James Version

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
יֹאמַר֙
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
בֶּן
Neither let 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
#4
הַנֵּכָ֗ר
of the stranger
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
#5
הַנִּלְוָ֤ה
that hath joined
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
יֹאמַר֙
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
יַבְדִּילַ֛נִי
hath utterly
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#10
יַבְדִּילַ֛נִי
hath utterly
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
עַמּ֑וֹ
me from his people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#14
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#15
יֹאמַר֙
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
הַסָּרִ֔יס
neither let the eunuch
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
#17
הֵ֥ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#18
אֲנִ֖י
i
#19
עֵ֥ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#20
יָבֵֽשׁ׃
Behold I am a dry
dry

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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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