Isaiah 56:6

Authorized King James Version

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Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Original Language Analysis

וּבְנֵ֣י Also the sons H1121
וּבְנֵ֣י Also the sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 1 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַנֵּכָ֗ר of the stranger H5236
הַנֵּכָ֗ר of the stranger
Strong's: H5236
Word #: 2 of 19
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
הַנִּלְוִ֤ים that join H3867
הַנִּלְוִ֤ים that join
Strong's: H3867
Word #: 3 of 19
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ to serve H8334
לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ to serve
Strong's: H8334
Word #: 6 of 19
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
וּֽלְאַהֲבָה֙ him and to love H157
וּֽלְאַהֲבָה֙ him and to love
Strong's: H157
Word #: 7 of 19
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣ם the name H8034
שֵׁ֣ם the name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 9 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִהְי֥וֹת H1961
לִהְי֥וֹת
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 11 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ל֖וֹ H0
ל֖וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 12 of 19
לַעֲבָדִ֑ים to be his servants H5650
לַעֲבָדִ֑ים to be his servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 13 of 19
a servant
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 14 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁמֵ֤ר every one that keepeth H8104
שֹׁמֵ֤ר every one that keepeth
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 15 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
שַׁבָּת֙ the sabbath H7676
שַׁבָּת֙ the sabbath
Strong's: H7676
Word #: 16 of 19
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ from polluting H2490
מֵֽחַלְּל֔וֹ from polluting
Strong's: H2490
Word #: 17 of 19
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
וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים it and taketh hold H2388
וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים it and taketh hold
Strong's: H2388
Word #: 18 of 19
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃ of my covenant H1285
בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃ of my covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 19 of 19
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis & Commentary

Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD 'to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants' are welcomed. The threefold description - serving, loving, being servants - emphasizes genuine devotion. Sabbath-keeping and covenant-holding again mark true faith.

Historical Context

This anticipates Gentile inclusion in the people of God, later explicitly fulfilled in the New Testament church. The barriers between Jew and Gentile are broken down in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22).

Questions for Reflection

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