Isaiah 57:6

Authorized King James Version

Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּחַלְּקֵי
Among the smooth
smooth
#2
נַ֣חַל
stones of the stream
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#3
חֶלְקֵ֔ךְ
is thy portion
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
#4
הֵ֥ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#5
הֵ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
גּוֹרָלֵ֑ךְ
they they are thy lot
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#7
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#8
לָהֶ֞ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
שָׁפַ֥כְתְּ
even to them hast thou poured
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#10
נֶ֙סֶךְ֙
a drink offering
a libation; also a cast idol
#11
הֶעֱלִ֣ית
thou hast offered
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#12
מִנְחָ֔ה
a meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#13
הַ֥עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
אֵ֖לֶּה
these or those
#15
אֶנָּחֵֽם׃
Should I receive comfort
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

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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