Isaiah 58:2

Authorized King James Version

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאוֹתִ֗י

H853

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

יוֹם֙

H3117

me daily

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יוֹם֙

H3117

me daily

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יִדְרֹשׁ֔וּן

H1875

Yet they seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

וְדַ֥עַת

H1847

to know

knowledge

דְּרָכַ֖י

H1870

my ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

יֶחְפָּצֽוּן׃

H2654

and delight

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

כְּג֞וֹי

H1471

as a nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

צְדָקָ֣ה

H6666

righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#11

עָשָׂ֗ה

H6213

that did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

מִשְׁפְּטֵי

H4941

not the ordinance

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#13

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of their 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

#14

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

עָזָ֔ב

H5800

and forsook

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#16

יִשְׁאָל֙וּנִי֙

H7592

they ask

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

#17

מִשְׁפְּטֵי

H4941

not the ordinance

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#18

צֶ֔דֶק

H6664

of justice

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

#19

קִרְבַ֥ת

H7132

in approaching

approach

#20

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

of their 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

#21

יֶחְפָּצֽוּן׃

H2654

and delight

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of righteousness connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about righteousness, 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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah