Isaiah 57:4

Authorized King James Version

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
מִי֙
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#3
תִּתְעַנָּ֔גוּ
Against whom do ye sport
to be soft or pliable, i.e., (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
מִ֛י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
תַּרְחִ֥יבוּ
yourselves against whom make ye a wide
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
#7
פֶ֖ה
mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#8
תַּאֲרִ֣יכוּ
and draw out
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#9
לָשׁ֑וֹן
the tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#10
הֲלֽוֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#12
יִלְדֵי
are ye not children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#13
פֶ֖שַׁע
of transgression
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
#14
זֶ֥רַע
a seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#15
שָֽׁקֶר׃
of falsehood
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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