Isaiah 59:17

Authorized King James Version

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּלְבַּ֞שׁ
For he put on
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#2
צְדָקָה֙
righteousness
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#3
כַּשִּׁרְיָ֔ן
as a breastplate
a corslet (as if twisted)
#4
וְכ֥וֹבַע
and an helmet
a helmet (as arched)
#5
יְשׁוּעָ֖ה
of salvation
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#6
בְּרֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
וַיִּלְבַּ֞שׁ
For he put on
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#8
בִּגְדֵ֤י
the garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#9
נָקָם֙
of vengeance
revenge
#10
תִּלְבֹּ֔שֶׁת
for clothing
a garment
#11
וַיַּ֥עַט
and was clad
to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll
#12
כַּמְעִ֖יל
as a cloke
a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)
#13
קִנְאָֽה׃
with zeal
jealousy or envy

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of righteousness 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 soteria in Greek or yeshua in Hebrew, indicating deliverance and wholeness, 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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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