Isaiah 56:7

Authorized King James Version

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַהֲבִיאוֹתִ֞ים
Even them will I bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַ֣ר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
קָדְשִׁ֗י
to my holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#5
וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים֙
and make them joyful
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#6
בֵּית
an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
תְּפִלָּ֥ה
of prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#8
עוֹלֹתֵיהֶ֧ם
their burnt offerings
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#9
וְזִבְחֵיהֶ֛ם
and their sacrifices
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
#10
לְרָצ֖וֹן
shall be accepted
delight (especially as shown)
#11
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
מִזְבְּחִ֑י
upon mine altar
an altar
#13
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
בֵּית
an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
בֵּית
an house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#16
תְּפִלָּ֥ה
of prayer
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
#17
יִקָּרֵ֖א
shall be called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#18
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#19
הָעַמִּֽים׃
for all people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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