Isaiah 56:6

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְנֵ֣י

H1121

Also the sons

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

H5236

of the stranger

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

הַנִּלְוִ֤ים

H3867

that join

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ

H8334

to serve

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וּֽלְאַהֲבָה֙

H157

him and to love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֣ם

H8034

the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#10

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#11

לִהְי֥וֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

ל֖וֹ

#13

לַעֲבָדִ֑ים

H5650

to be his servants

a servant

#14

כָּל

H3605

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

#15

שֹׁמֵ֤ר

H8104

every one that keepeth

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

#16

שַׁבָּת֙

H7676

the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#17

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

#18

וּמַחֲזִיקִ֖ים

H2388

it and taketh hold

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

#19

בִּבְרִיתִֽי׃

H1285

of my covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of love connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about love, 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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 56 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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