Isaiah 57:21

Authorized King James Version

There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
שָׁל֔וֹם
There is no peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#3
אָמַ֥ר
saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֱלֹהַ֖י
my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#5
לָרְשָׁעִֽים׃
to the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

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 peace 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

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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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