Isaiah 58:6

Authorized King James Version

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲל֣וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
זֶה֮
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
צ֣וֹם
Is not this the fast
a fast
#4
אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒
that I have chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#5
פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙
to loose
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#6
חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת
the bands
a fetter; figuratively, a pain
#7
רֶ֔שַׁע
of wickedness
a wrong (especially moral)
#8
הַתֵּ֖ר
to undo
to jump, i.e., be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie
#9
אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת
H92
burdens
a band, bundle, knot, or arch
#10
מוֹטָ֖ה
every yoke
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
#11
וְשַׁלַּ֤ח
go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
רְצוּצִים֙
and to let the oppressed
to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively
#13
חָפְשִׁ֔ים
free
exempt (from bondage, tax or care)
#14
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
מוֹטָ֖ה
every yoke
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
#16
תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃
and that ye break
to tear off

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 divine revelation 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 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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